Doctoral student in Biology

Subject description

Biology is a 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 program 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.

Research area: Biodiversity and evolution

Work duties

Land use change and climate warming, together with gene flow from garden escapes, impose threats to gene pools of rare indigenous trees such as Acer campestre (naverlönn; field maple). It is considered a warm period relic with a few scattered remnant populations of a historic wider distribution area in southern Sweden. The PhD student will compare historical herbarium samples to extant individuals and populations to (1) monitor changes over time of gene pools, (2) reveal forgotten or overlooked relict populations in the landscape, and (3) examine the gene pools in a larger phylogeographic context. The results are expected to guide general policy decisions concerning measures to protect indigenous gene pools. The project involves work with finding and selecting material in the wild and from herbaria, extracting DNA, undertaking genomic analysis and interpreting data from phylogenetic, phylogeographic and coalescent analytical perspectives.

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 has good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements:

• Master's degree in plant biology (plant evolution, plant ecology or related disciplines in agricultural sciences)
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented proficiency in proactive and independent work
• Practical experience in the analysis and interpretation of genomic and morphological data

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:

• Documented experience in the genetics of broadleaf trees
• Experiences regarding phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods
• Experience with work with herbarium specimens and analyses of historic DNA samples (aDNA)
• Practical experience in teaching

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