Doctoral student in biology

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 specializations. The PhD programme at the Department of Biology includes many of these specializations, 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 (no more than 20%).

The research project will investigate fish migration and life-history responses to river rehabilitation. The overall project focuses on evaluating both evolutionary and applied questions on life-history, adaptation, productivity and management strategies for anadromous salmonids in rivers and on the coast. The prospective PhD student will primarily focus on life-stage progression and success as well as migration spatio-temporal dynamics and phenology in natural, anthropogenically affected as well as rehabilitated rivers in a connectivity framework, linking individual trade-off choices and their consequences to population-level patterns and dynamics. Research tasks will include field studies using electrofishing, telemetry and fish counters with associated methods, field and laboratory experiments, advanced statistical modeling and communication, all in a broad and transdisciplinary collaborative environment composed of universities, county administrative boards, municipalities, NGOs, stakeholders and the general public. The doctoral studies will include data collection, interpretation and analysis, writing of scientific manuscripts and technical reports, as well as oral presentations.

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 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 MSc in Biology, Ecology or similar, with a minimum of 30 credits courses in aquatic ecology
• Knowledge of ecology and evolution
• Experience of field work and analysis on the described topic
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English
• Demonstrated ability of independent work
• Valid driver’s license for Sweden due to field trips

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

• Education and experience of electrofishing and experimental fish handling
• Experience of field work, telemetry techniques and tagging surgery
• Experience from investigation design and protocols for reproducible research
• Experience in R and statistical modeling
• Communication skills in trans-disciplinary environment
• Good knowledge of Swedish

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.

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 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 post graduate education programme and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• A short description (max 250 words) of a research question that intrigues you (does not have to be in this field of science).
• 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, etc.).

Please also include at least two references with contact details (phone and e-mail address).