PhD Student in Zoology

The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University includes approximately 80 employees, including researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff.

Research and education at the department take place in an international environment and focus on animal biology. Outstanding and high-impact research is conducted across broad areas, from genomics to ecosystems, neurons to behavior, and evolution to conservation. More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology (https://www.su.se/zoologiska-institutionen/).

SciLifeLab is a national research infrastructure. In Stockholm, SciLifeLab Campus Solna serves as an additional joint campus for the Stockholm Trio (KI, KTH, SU) and is the only SciLifeLab site that co-locates researchers from multiple universities under one roof. By working together, the Stockholm Trio has been able to achieve a significant critical mass, making the research environment at SciLifeLab Campus Solna competitive with the strongest life science centers in the world. The research environment is characterized by modern and advanced methodologies and has a strong international profile. More information about SciLifeLab: SciLifeLab (https://www.scilifelab.se/pa-svenska/).

Research Subject

The dissertation work will be conducted within the framework of a project focusing on characterizing phenotypic and genomic variation related to seasonal camouflage variation in the willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). The project will combine state-of-the-art computer vision, modeling, and archived specimens to determine biotic and abiotic factors driving spatial variation in molting phenology. We will use museum genomics to extract DNA from museum specimens and population genomics to study selection signatures and demographic history in populations with different molting phenology. Furthermore, comparative genomics will be used to investigate the evolutionary history of molting phenology in closely related ptarmigan species. The project will also utilize functional genomics to study the regulatory mechanisms behind molting phenology in ptarmigans. The project is linked to Mafalda Sousa Ferreira (https://www.scilifelab.se/researchers/mafalda-sousa-ferreira/)'s research group at SciLifeLab (Solna) and the Department of Zoology.

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to doctoral education, the applicant must have basic and specific eligibility. The eligibility must be fulfilled by the last application date.

Basic eligibility is met if you have completed a degree at the advanced level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at the advanced level, or otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country.

For specific eligibility to be admitted to doctoral education in zoology, the applicant must have passed courses of at least 120 hp in biology, or equivalent, and have completed an independent project in biology, population genetics, molecular systematics, evolutionary research, ecology, bioinformatics, or equivalent, of at least 30 hp at the advanced level.

Selection

Selection among applicants is made with regard to the ability to benefit from doctoral education. Criteria used to assess this ability include:

• documented subject knowledge relevant to the research area
• analytical and creative thinking
• initiative
• independence
• collaboration skills

Previous studies and grades, the quality of the independent project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the applicant's written motivation for the application will be used as the basis for assessment. Other important criteria for assessment include experience in population and evolutionary genomics, avian ecology and seasonal biology, bioinformatics, laboratory DNA analysis, tissue sampling in the field and/or museum collections.

More information can be found at: Admission regulations for doctoral education (https://medarbetare.su.se/vart-su/styrning/regelboken/utbildning/antagningsordning-for-utbildning-pa-forskarniva).

About the Position

We offer a fixed-term position as a PhD student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The employment period may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a PhD student, you will primarily focus on your own doctoral education, but the position may include limited work with education, research, and administration (maximum 20%).

A new PhD position is valid for a maximum of one year, and the position is renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information is provided by Mafalda Sousa Ferreira, mafalda.ferreira@zoologi.su.se (mailto:mafalda.ferreira@zoologi.su.se).

Application

You apply for the PhD position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the documents requested in the application form. You as the applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university by the last application date.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: How to apply for a position (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.