PhD student position in Ethology at the Department of Zoology. Reference number SU FV-2909-14. Deadline for applications: November 20, 2014. Project description We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student with an interest in evolutionary biology and behavioral ecology to take part in the research project “Life-history variation, behavior and methylation patterns”, funded by the Swedish Research Council. The aim of the project is to investigate the association between methylation patterns and variation in life-history traits and behavior across species. Methylation is one of several epigenetic inheritance mechanisms, which may play an important role in phenotypic plasticity and genetic accommodation. Understanding epigenetic effects has implications for core evolutionary processes such as heritability, maintenance of genetic variation and speciation. Still, we have only a rudimentary understanding of how evolutionary processes are affected by these epigenetic effects. The project involves a combination of modern phylogenetic comparative methods and experimental approaches to analyze the association between methylation and inter-specific variation in life-history and behavior using killifish (Cyprinodontiformes) as a model system. The selected candidate will gain experience in modern phylogenetic comparative methods, experimental design, molecular analyses and statistics. This is an ambitious project which will be demanding and require excellent organization and analytical skills. However, we think it will also be very rewarding and exciting. The candidate will be based in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and a beautiful and vibrant Scandinavian city. Since one of the PIs of the project has a joint affiliation between Stockholm University and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, research visits to the later, in Mexico City, another vibrant and diverse city with plenty of cultural offer, are also highly likely. The proposed project combines the different areas of expertise of the two principal investigators, who will jointly supervise the candidate. Alejandro Gonzalez Voyer is interested in phenotypic evolution and speciation, topics that are mainly addressed using modern phylogenetic comparative methods. Björn Rogell has a broad interested in environmental stress, local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. Qualifications To be qualified for research studies in ethology the applicant must have completed a research degree (e.g. Master’s), or have passed at least 120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including an approved independent project of at least 30 hp at advanced level (“examensarbete”) within ethology, evolutionary biology or related subjects. Applicants who have in principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden or abroad are also qualified. Criteria for selection Among qualified applicants, selection is made according to the ability to benefit from the studies. The criteria to be used are properly documented competence within the described research area, capabilities with regards to speaking and writing in English (note that English is the working language in the groups), analytical thinking, organizational skills, creativity, initiative, independence, and team work performance. Experience with statistical analysis and molecular data is an advantage. The applicant’s earlier experience within the field of research can be of relevance especially when further documented by university courses, independent research works, personal references, interview and an application indicating the applicant’s motivations in written form. Terms of employment The PhD studies include 48 months of full-time studies with employment as PhD student. The salary currently starts at 23.700 SEK/month. Stockholm University aims to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for everyone. Information For further details, please contact Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Voyer, [email protected], or Dr. Bjorn Rogell, [email protected], at the Department of Zoology. Union representatives Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone: +46 8 16 20 00 (switchboard), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone: +46 70 316 43 41. Application The application should contain: personal presentation and letter of intent/motivation: maximum one A4-page CV (including methodological skills) copy of independent project thesis copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (attested) two reference letters and contact details for these academic referees. Please send your application, marked with the reference number SU FV-2909-14, no later than November 20, 2014, by e-mail to: [email protected]. Documents sent by e-mail should be in Word or PDF format. NOTE! State the reference number SU FV-2909-14 also in the subject line of your e-mail.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:24:25 +0000
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