PhD position in Ecology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

PhD position in Ecology
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position focused on drivers for occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in aquatic environments. You are expected to begin your position in autumn 2018. Application deadline is 31 August 2018.

Description
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science opens a PhD student position focused on drivers for occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in aquatic environments. These bacteria are also often predation resistant to protozoa. A challenging theory is that there is an eco-evolutionary link between the bacteria´s life in aquatic environments and pathogenicity in humans. The ecological drivers for occurrence of different types of predation resistant bacteria (PRB) in aquatic environments are however unknown. The project comprises three themes: (1) Drivers for occurrence of different types of PRB in aquatic ecosystems, (2) Nutritional thresholds where the predominance of intracellular bacteria is exchanged to extracellular PRB, (3) Development of bacterial predation resistance at the genetic and functional level. Each theme is expected to result in 1-2 scientific articles.

The research is financed by Umeå University and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI). The project is performed within the frame of the Industrial doctoral school and the marine strategic research environment EcoChange.

Umeå University Industrial Doctoral School for research and innovation
The Industrial Doctoral School (IDS) is a multidisciplinary research school where the projects are based on collaborations between Umeå University and external organizations. The PhD students in IDS form an interdisciplinary group that, in addition to each scientific specialization, is given a tailor-made course package providing a solid basis for future work within research and development. A PhD position in IDS also includes a three-month internship at the external organizations for each doctoral student.

Qualifications
To be admitted for PhD studies the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

The candidate should have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to ecology comprising at least 120 ECTS credits. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization shall have been completed, as well an independent piece of work (degree project) with relevant specialization of at least 15 ECTS credits. We are looking for a candidate with relevant academic background in molecular biology, ecology, statistics or corresponding education. It is qualifying to have good knowledge in genetic methods (e.g. DNA library prep, statistics), bioinformatics and/or microbial ecology.

The candidate should have a very good command in written and spoken English, be creative and able to take own initiative. The candidate is independent, has social competence and collaborative ability. It is expected that the candidate develop independence and build up network contacts during the education.

Application
The application shall be done via our e-recruitment system and be submitted at the latest 31 August, 2018.

The application should include:

• Letter where the applicant describes her/himself in relation to the above described requirements, a motivation to why the applicant is interested in the position and a short description of the candidate´s research interests and ideas
• CV with academic qualifications.
• Publication list.
• Electronic copy of the MSc-thesis.
• Scientific articles, grade certificates or other documentation which supports the applicant´s qualification for the position.
• Contact information to three reference persons.
  

The evaluation will be based on the applicant´s letter, references, interview and the quality of the master thesis and other publications. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of approval to the PhD position and may not need to be fulfilled at the time of the application.

Information
Professor Agneta Andersson, Umeå University, will be main supervisor and Dr. Johanna Thelaus, FOI, assistant supervisor. More information can be given by Professor Agneta Andersson, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Tel: +46 90-786 9845, e-mail agneta.andersson@umu.se

Salary: According to agreements for PhD students. A PhD education comprises 4 years full time studies (240 ECTS credits).

The Department of Ecology and Environment Science (EMG) performs research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department have ~120 co-workers of which ~30 are PhD students. For more information see www.emg.umu.se