Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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PhD position in Ecology (alternatively Computational Science) with focus on speciation dynamics.
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science opens a PhD student position for studies on ecological speciation and species boundary dynamics in plants. The position will start on September 1 or according to agreement. The last day for application is June 25, 2018.

Project description
Ecological speciation is considered a fundamental driver of adaptive radiation and shapes the distribution of biodiversity. Despite recent concerted efforts, major questions regarding the dynamics of ecological speciation remain unanswered. This project investigates the genomics of ecological selection and adaptation, and how genetic factors interact with ecology to facilitate speciation. The project is broadly defined and represents an opportunity to work at the intersection of theoretical ecology and population genetics, both conceptually and empirically. The project is financed by the Swedish Research Council and Umeå University.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with an academic background in either ecology or evolution or relevant quantitative subjects (e.g., computer science, physics and mathematics). A combination of both is particularly advantageous, as is knowledge and experience of genetic data analyses, bioinformatics, and theoretical/mathematical ecology. The candidate should have a keen interest in speciation, be highly motivated, independent and collaborative, and be fluent in both spoken and written English.

Prerequisites for PhD studies include 240 ECTS credits of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or an equivalent qualification from abroad.

Admission to PhD studies in ecology requires at least 120 ECTS credits (2 years) in subjects relevant for ecology including at least one course on an advanced level plus an independent project of at least 15 ECTS credits.

Admission to PhD studies in computational science requires at least 90 ECTS credits in computational sciences including at least 30 ECTS credits on an advanced level. Courses in computational science include courses with major quantitative, statistical, mathematical or computer science content as well as relevant courses in biology, ecology, physics and chemistry. Applicants who have acquired principally equivalent knowledge within or outside Sweden also meet this admission criteria.

Evaluation will be based on the personal letter, the quality and relevance of the master program and any publications, the interview, and the candidate’s performance in a writing test after the interview.

Application
The application, written in Swedish or English, should include:

  • A short letter (max 2 pages) describing your research interests and why you are interested in the position
  • CV, including academic achievements
  • Digital copies of Bachelor/Master thesis
  • Any publications
  • Certificates from higher education and other documentation that support your application
  • Contact information to at least three reference persons.

Your application must be registered in Umeå University’s recruitment system Varbi/MyNetwork (at https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/) no later than June 25, 2018.

Contact and information
The PhD candidate will be supervised by Professor Xiao-Ru Wang
(xiao-ru.wang@umu.se), Dept. of Ecology and Environmental Science, and Professor Åke Brännström (ake.brannstrom@umu.se), Dept. of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Umeå University.

Salary: According to agreements for PhD students. Length of employment: A PhD education comprises 4 years full time studies (240 ETCS).

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) at Umeå University conducts research and offers postgraduate studies in Ecology, Environmental Sciences and Physical Geography. The department has about 120 employees, including 28 PhD-students (for further information see: http://www.emg.umu.se/english/?languageId=1).

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2018-09-01
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-932-18
Contact
  • Xiao-Ru Wang, professor, 090-786 99 55
  • Åke Brännström, professor, 090-786 78 62
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
Published 18.May.2018
Last application date 25.Jun.2018 11:59 PM CEST

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