Doctoral student in Biology with a focus in ecological physiology

Subject description

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 goal of this PhD project is to undertake the first thorough investigation of the evolvability of heat tolerance in endotherms. The overall objective is to uncover when and why endothermic animals fail in the heat, and whether plastic or evolutionary responses may render failure a less likely outcome in the future. This approach is justified by the observation that global warming and heatwaves diminish reproductive success and cause excess mortality in wild and domesticated endotherm populations. Yet, there is sub-standard knowledge of almost all fundamental traits that mediate success or failure under climate change, and, for most animals, there are no data on the extent to which plasticity, local adaptation, or evolutionary change can alleviate the stress imposed by a hotter world.

The PhD project is part of the research program “HotLife – Pathways to survival in a hotter world” which is supported by the European Research Council (ERC). The position is suitable for candidates with a background and interest in thermal physiology, evolutionary biology, or ecological physiology.

The project will involve state-of-art thermal physiology assays and studies of cellular metabolism, predominantly using captive bird models. Over the course of the PhD studies, you will combine artificial selection, temperature manipulation experiments, and intricate analyses, within and across generations. The succesful candidate will develop skills particularly within respirometry and body temperature measurement, as well as associated competencies in analytical and biostatical methodology. Depending on the interests of the succesful candidate, there will also be opportunities to learn morphometric and ptilometric techniques, biophysical modelling, and gene expression analyses.

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 the applicant:

• 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 the applicant 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 MSc degree in Biology with specialisation in animal ecology, animal physiology, conservation physiology, ecological physiology or a related area with similar significance for the project
• A valid driving license (minimum Swedish license category B) is required for fieldwork (if relevant) and to commute between campus and the experimental animal facilties
• Scholarly profiency in oral and written English
• Proficiency in statistics and experience with common statistical programming languages such as R.

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:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.

2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.

3. Written and oral communication skills

4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Practical experience using relevant thermo-physiological, bioenergetic, or cellular physiology methods
• Previous experience with standard techniques for bird handling and sampling

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence within the realms of the project objectives, 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 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 position 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. Please ensure that your application includes grade transcripts, a copy of the MSc thesis, and contact information for at least one academic reference.