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

Biology is the broad subject about all living things. It encompasses everything from processes at the molecular and cellular level to global processes at ecosystem level. The subject is divided into a range of sub-disciplines and specialisations. The PhD programme at the Department of Biology includes many of these specialisations, from molecular biology to applied ecology, from viruses and individual cells to evolutionary biology and global biodiversity. Taking on research studies at the Department of Biology generally means focusing on a delimited part of the research area of biology and may include field studies, experiments, theoretical studies, or a combination of these.

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 thesis will investigate the molecular systematics of the Hawaiian island radiation of flowering plants in the genus Wikstroemia (Thymelaeaceae), and the biogeography of dioecy via independent origins of genetic sex determination systems in the species group. The primary aims include (i) using a combination of DNA extracted from wild and greenhouse populations, as well as herbarium specimens, to generate a consensus species tree for the Hawaiian clade and place it within the broader genus-level phylogeny; and (ii) to study the biogeography of the different sex determination mechanisms within the radiation using a combination of analytic methods to jointly model historical range shifts through the archipelago and ancestral character states for the different forms of dioecy. Depending on the interests of the student, other research objectives may include formal systematic revision of the Hawaiian Wikstroemia (or certain species of particular taxonomic interest), or a focused study of the evolution of complex floral traits within the radiation, including floral scent.

The project will shed new light on species and reproductive trait diversification within an island radiation, and provide the macroevolutionary context for understanding how multiple transitions from hermaphroditism to physically separate sexes have occurred in closely related lineages within this fascinating group of flowering plants. 

The project may include field work in Hawai’i and is suitable for candidates with a background and an interest in molecular systematics, phylogenomics, evolutionary biology of flowering plants, and botany.

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

• A B.Sc. and/or M.Sc. in evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, botany, or a closely related area.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work.
• Experience in data processing, analyses, statistical computing, and scripting in R, Python, bash, or other relevant computer programming language.
• Drivers license. 

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

• Practical experience in field biology/botany/ecology.
• Practical experience in DNA/RNA extraction.
• Practical experience working with herbarium/museum specimens
• Practical experience in management and analysis of genomic data for molecular systematics and/or biogeography.
• Background in botany and/or floral evolutionary biology

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 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 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 (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etcetera).