Doctoral student in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties
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, up to 20%.

The aim of this project is to investigate how and why wild populations vary in their evolutionary potential. The rate of evolution is determined by the amount of genetic variation and strength of selection. Although fundamental for the understanding of evolutionary dynamics, we still know very little about natural variation in selection and genetic variation in wild populations, and even less about their covariation. The goal will be to monitor selection and genetic variation in wild populations of green tortoise beetles Cassida viridis over time and space. This insect system enables studies of selection and adaptation not only in the lab, but also in the field in multiple freeranging populations along environmental gradients. The outcomes will increase our capacity to predict evolution and to understand how populations respond when encountering a changing or novel environment.

The project combines quantitative genetics, molecular ecology and genomics as well as experimental approaches. It includes field work (8-12 weeks per year) in Sweden (mainly Skåne region) which requires endurance and fine motor skills. The project is suitable for a candidate with a background in evolutionary ecology, molecular ecology and microevolution.

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 (for example a degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements

• MSc in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, animal ecology or closely related area including courses with an evolutionary focus
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Valid drivers license (Swedish license category B)
• Excellent and demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work.
• Practical experience in molecular laboratory work
• Profound experience of independent field work, ideally with insects

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Experience in data handling and statistical computing in R.
• Experience with bioinformatical analyses
• Experience in video and image analysis (ImageJ).
• Experience in experimental design
• Experience in insect behavioural studies in the field and laboratory
• Experience in species identification of Cassida beetles
• Experience with work that requires fine motor skills

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, for example professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to strong 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 programe.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at Lund University 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 should be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the postgraduate education programme and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etcetera).