PhD position in Molecular Ecosystem Ecology - eDNA-based surveillance of a sub-arctic ecosystem over 40 years - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan
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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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The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in ecosystem ecology. The expected starting date for the PhD position is fall, 2020 or according to agreement. Application deadline is August 16, 2020.
Project description
Ecosystems are complex and dynamic systems that are influenced by interactions between the organisms as well as with the environment. The purpose of this project is to investigate how changes in climate and land-use influence the ecosystem in terms of composition and diversity. This requires not only high-resolution data covering a large part of the total diversity, but also long time series with frequent sampling.
Our approach is to use a unique archive of air filters, collected weekly at six locations across Sweden since 1965. We have now produced a very large dataset that maps weekly biodiversity in Kiruna (sub-arctic region, Northern Sweden) from 1974 to 2008. By using shotgun DNA sequencing we are able to identify all types of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria and viruses) from all types of habitats (soil, water, land and air). The filters capture even vertebrates along with the parasites living in their intestines. In addition, we have generated high-resolution data on land-use changes and changes in the weather/climate covering the area of northern Sweden during the same time period. The dataset we have generated represents one of the most extensive and high-resolution record of historical biodiversity in the world, and provide us with the unique opportunity to investigate how organisms from all kingdoms in northern Sweden are influenced by human induced changes to the environment.
About the position
The project will involve analyzing large scale sequencing data along with climate and land-use data in order to understand how various organisms are influenced by anthropogenic impacts. The project will also include collaboration with leading experts in ecology.
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in research but also taking relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental activities (up to a maximum of 20% time) are typically included as well. Employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.
Admission requirements
For this position, we are looking for a person interested in ecosystem ecology and computational analysis. We expect the candidate to have an academic background in Ecology, Molecular biology, or a related field as well as having documented experience in computational analysis (e.g. statistics and bioinformatics).
The recruitment procedure for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 5 and 7). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (Swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or equivalent competence. Education should include 120 ECTS credits (2 years) in subjects relevant to ecology, at least one course at an advanced level in ecology or a similar field, as well as a 15 ECTS credits through an independent project in ecology or a similar field relevant for this PhD project.
The successful applicant should have good skills in written and spoken English. Strong merits include experience with bioinformatics focused on the analysis of large scale sequencing data. We are looking for someone who can be creative and show initiative. The successful candidate should also show independence, yet have the ability to collaborate within a larger research group. Evaluations will be based on the application and on interviews.
Application
You apply through our recruitment system on August 16, 2020 at the latest. The application may be written in English or Swedish and should include:
A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in the position
CV
Copies of certificates from higher education
List of completed university courses and the grades
Copy of publications/degree thesis
Contact information of 3 reference persons
Contact
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Per Stenberg: Per.Stenberg @ umu.se
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 150 employees and about 30 of these are PhD students. For more information, visit www.emg.umu.se
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| First day of employment | Autumn 2020, according to agreement |
| Salary | Monthly salary |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100% |
| City | Umeå |
| County | Västerbottens län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | AN 2.2.1-1009-20 |
| Contact |
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| Union representative |
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| Published | 24.Jun.2020 |
| Last application date | 16.Aug.2020 11:59 PM CEST |