Doctoral student in biology

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%.

Intensive forestry, agriculture and urbanization reduce the habitat for many species. As populations become small and isolated, genetic diversity is lost and inbreeding and mutation load can make populations succumb to an ‘extinction vortex’. The project aims to establish the consequences of habitat fragmentation and loss for the Swedish sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) – an indicator and umbrella species for open habitats with many other red-listed species. With the help of genomic analyses, it is possible to reveal historical changes in population demography, identify features of the landscape that promotes functional connectivity between locations, and establish to what extent purging of harmful genetic variants enables small populations to persist. The findings of the project can be used to identify effective conservation strategies for the sand lizard.

The project is situated at the interface of evolutionary genomics and conservation biology. The research is mainly based on genomic analyses of a large number of individuals from isolated and fragmented populations. The project includes field work to collect data, laboratory work, bioinformatics analyses of whole-genome data, and methods and statistics for spatial analyses.

Overall, this is a project well suited for students with a background and interest in genomics, evolutionary biology, and conservation biology.

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

• An MSc in evolutionary biology, ecology or a closely related area.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work.
• Practical experience in analysis and interpretation of genomic data.

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

• Good knowledge and experience in data processing and statistical analyses.
• Practical experience in molecular laboratory methods.
• Experience in field work.
• Experience in spatial analysis and GIS. 

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