Doctoral student in Biology With specialisation in ecological physiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties
Exposure to high or low temperatures during pre-and perinatal development have instrumental influence over how endothermic animals deal with heat or cold as juveniles. We know comparatively little about how whether such phenotypic responses are ephemeral or permanent. This presents an interesting problem since the predicted increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increases the likelihood that an animal will develop in a set of weather conditions that it will not experience again as an adult. We are now recruiting a doctoral student to a project funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Crafoord Foundation that addresses how the morphological and physiological consequences of growing up during an extreme weather event manifest over a lifetime and between generations.

The work will be performed using a combination of wild birds (blue tits, great tits) and various captive bird models (Japanese quail, zebra finches). Hypothesis testing occurs at the organismal- and subcellular levels by using state-of-the-art thermophysiological- (e.g. measurement of body temperature, energy expenditure and evaporation) and bioenergetic (particularly mitochondrial function) methods within an ecological framework. 

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in biology if he or she has:

• Passed an independent project (e.g. degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English. Equivalent knowledge acquired through corresponding programmes will be assessed individually. In order to enable interdisciplinary initiatives and important specialisations in certain areas, students with qualifications in subjects other than Biology may be considered for admission. (See the general syllabus)

Additional requirements

• A MSc degree in Biology with specialisation in any of the following subjects: animal ecological, animal physiology, conservation biology, or a related area.
• Practical experience using relevant thermophysiological- and/or bioenergetic methods.
• A valid driving license (minimum Swedish licence category B).
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

The following will be considered as strong merits:

• Previous research experience of, or a MSc dissertation with, direct relevance for the project.
• Practical experience of working with relevant bird models in an experimental animal facility.
• Practical experience of fieldwork with wild birds, including ringing and blood sampling.
• Experience of instrumentation for intraperitoneal body temperature measurements in birds, including methods for topical anaesthesia.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and should be compiled as a single pdf including a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background, a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, a copy of your MSc thesis and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).