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 sense of smell is crucial for most animals and serves as an important model system in biological research, ranging from neuronal information processing to developmental biology. Significant progress has been made in understanding the organization and function of the olfactory organ, particularly in the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster. Despite the extensive knowledge gathered, the functional significance of this observed organization remains unknown.

The PhD project will address fundamental questions about how the fly's sense of smell operates. More specifically, the prospective PhD student will map the evolution of chemoreceptors in drosophilids over deep time and investigate how these receptors are used to extract sensory information from the environment. The project will utilize museomics, comparative genomics, electrophysiology, and fieldwork to trace the functional evolution of chemoreceptor genes within Drosophilidae.

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:

• MSc in biology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or equivalent
• Proficiency in bioinformatics and strong computer skills
• Experience working with Drosophila
• Excellent proficiency in English, in oral, writing and reading comprehension
• Strong ability to work proactively and independently

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 cycles. 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 the 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, for example professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience in fieldwork
• Knowledge of entomology
• Knowledge of chemical ecology
• Knowledge of neurogenetics

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, letters of recommendation, etc.).
• Please also include at least two references with contact details (phone and e-mail address).