Doctoral student in Biology with specialisation in insect eco-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.

The goal of this PhD project is to promote sustainable management of natural resources, pollinators, and biodiversity through a set of experiments based around bees in the climate change-pollination nexus. Global warming and the increased frequency of extreme heat and drought events are expected to accelerate worldwide bee declines. The temporal, spatial, and evolutionary causes of this decline and their mechanistic underpinnings are still largely unresolved. For example, some bees have alleviated the effects of warming by advancing phenology, but we do not know how species that have failed to do so are affected by rising temperatures. There is also limited information about landscape-level effects of global warming on bee development, health and diversity, and whether the negative effects of warming can be reversed. At conclusion, the PhD student will have contributed to understanding which bees will beat the heat and how they do it, to better understand the consequences of climate change for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The position is suitable for candidates with a background in animal ecology, conservation biology, or ecological physiology, wanting to apply those skills to understand how pollinating bees will be affected by climate change.

Work duties

The project combines field studies and large-scale thermal manipulation experiments with state-of-art thermal physiology assays and evolutionary theory, within and across generations. The succesful candidate will particularly develop skills within experimental design, respirometry and thermometry techniques, 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 thermographic techniques, biophysical modelling, and pollen analysis.

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, conservation biology, animal physiology, or a related area with similar significance for the project
• A valid driving license (minimum Swedish license category B) is required to complete fieldwork
• Proficiency in statistics and experience with common statistical programming languages such as R.
• Scholarly profiency in oral and written English

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 or bioenergetic methods with a focus on insects
• Previous fieldwork experience focusing on bees and other hymenopterans, including standard techniques for capture and sampling
• Proficiency in species identification, particularly of insects groups relevant for the PhD project

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence within the realms of the project, 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 person.