PhD Student in Ecology and Evolution at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences. Closing date: 2022-11-04.:
Research and education at Stockholm University at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) is located in the Arrhenius Laboratories, situated at the University Campus at Frescati. Research carried out spans across a broad range of biology subject areas including Ecology and Evolution, Ecotoxicology, Marine Biology, Plant Physiology and Plant Systematics. Presently around 140 people are working at DEEP using state-of-the art methodologies in an international research environment characterized by world-recognized researchers and a high level of professionalism.
Project description
The Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences invites applications for a four-year PhD position aimed at integrating microorganisms within the classical view of natural food webs.
Questions that the project aims to answer are: Where do the microorganisms associated with plants come from? Are they inherited from the mother plant through the seeds, or are they acquired from the environment? How will plant-associated microorganisms affect the assembly of the insect community? What are the drivers that structure plant-associated multitrophic food webs, and do the structuring forces differ between microorganisms and macroorganisms?
To answer these questions, we have to link studies on the micro- and macrobiome across spatial and temporal scales. One useful approach is to focus on a diverse community associated with a keystone species. In this project we will use the pedunculate oak Quercus robur.
The PhD-student will be located at DEEP with Ayco Tack as main supervisor, but with complementary support by a group of co-supervisors with other competences.
Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.
In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Ecology and Evolution stipulates, that applicants must have completed at least 60 higher education credits in the second cycle, of which 15 credits must be from a course in one of the areas Ecology or Evolution, and 30 credits from a project in one of the areas Ecology or Evolution. Applicants may also have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.
Selection
The criteria used in the selection for admittance to research training in Ecology and Evolution are knowledge of theory and applications in the research field, ability to communicate orally and in writing, knowledge of English, creativity, analytic competence, initiative, independence and collaboration ability. Experience in molecular and field work, and affinity with microorganisms and/or insects, are additional merits.
Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.
Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position. Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed. Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
For more information, please contact project leader Ayco Tack, ayco.tack@su.se. Further information about the position can be obtained from the Subject Representative Tanja Slotte, tanja.slotte@su.se.
Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, seko@seko.su.se (SEKO), and PhD student representative, doktorandombud@sus.su.se
Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. We recommend that you hand in your application, including necessary documents, in English.
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest university degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 reference persons
and, in addition, please include the following documents
- Cover letter (1-3 pages), containing
– Your expectations from, and intentions with the education
– Why you are interested in the specific project
– What makes you suitable for the specific project - CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
- Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
- Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).
You are welcome to apply!
Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.
Closing date: 04/11/2022