job description
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PhD students studying climate change driven adaptation and species variation. The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with faculty and students from all over the world. Our research ranges from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. We are recruiting a PhD student in Animal Ecology in the area of climate change-driven adaptation and species variation. Our research group combines unique long-term field study data with genomic approaches to better understand general mechanisms of adaptation and species differentiation. We have collected data for decades from a natural hybridization area for collared flycatchers and wagtails located on the Swedish island of Öland. This PhD project has two main goals. First, you will investigate how allelic variation in identified adaptive traits and changes in genome structure affect the adaptive responses of magpiepies and collared flycatchers to current climate change. Secondly, the project will investigate whether different climate adaptations have played a central role in the divergence of these two species. The project has collected long-term phenotypic data (22 years) and will use several state-of-the-art genomic technologies. The PhD student will work with a team of mentors with complementary skills and will have the opportunity to work with us on a detailed development plan for the project. Learn more about the team: https://www.uu.se/en/department/ecology-and-genetics/research/animal-ecology/qvarnstrom-lab.
offer requirements
The successful candidate will conduct field sampling (monitoring and experimentation), but the main aim of the project is to combine information from the large number of datasets already available in the system through methods such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Because many adaptive traits are polygenic and ecological adaptation often relies on coordinated changes in a range of traits, we will develop methods that take this complexity into account, thereby improving predictions of future adaptive change. We will assess the role of climate adaptation differences in species divergence by testing whether identified gene networks contain fixed differences between two species that lead to hybrid dysfunction and reproductive isolation. It is expected that the PhD student will contribute to the writing of the results and their publication in scientific journals. It is also expected that the PhD student will participate in local seminar series, advanced related PhD programs and international conferences. To meet the entry requirements for the PhD program, you must hold a Master’s degree in Biology (Stage 2), have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, including at least 60 credits at the Master’s level including at least a 15-credit independent project, or have otherwise gained substantially equivalent knowledge. We place a high value on personal qualities such as a strong interest in evolutionary theory, strong collaborative skills, and the ability to solve analytical problems. Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in English and/or Swedish. Previous experience in field ornithology and/or bioinformatics is desirable but not required. Previous experience with practical research projects and statistical/mathematical modeling is desirable.
offer benefits/salary
Uppsala University is a broad research university with an international standing. The ultimate goal of Uppsala University is to carry out education and research of the highest quality and relevance, contributing to society. Our most important assets are our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students, who with curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of the most exciting places to work in Sweden. Find out more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/.