The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.
We are now looking for a PhD student in the Animal Ecology program, where we study the ecological causes and evolutionary consequences of natural variation among organisms, from genomic to environmental scales.
Project description
The PhD candidate will work on the project ‘Genomics of adaptation to the environment in a Californian butterfly’, under the supervision of Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich at the Department of Ecology and Genetics. As climate and land-use changes force organisms to “move, adapt, or die,” understanding the genetic basis of ecologically relevant traits is essential for predicting species’ range expansions and adaptive potential in new environments. This project will focus on the genetic basis of adaptations to the environment in the North American Edith’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha) and study their impact on the potential for range expansions or local adaptation in a warmer planet. The candidate’s work will complement ongoing research in the lab while allowing for independence and opportunity to pursue their own interests. Additionally, the project will make use long-term collaborations with climate change experts and evolutionary biologists, including Camille Parmesan, Mike Singer, and Chris Wheat.
The position is fully funded for four years and is open to any nationality. For more information about Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich’s research, please visit her website: https://gmontejokovacevich.wordpress.com/. The PhD student will be funded by a SciLifeLab Fellowship and thus be part of the SciLifeLab community and benefit from its training programs,. More details about SciLifeLab can be found at https://www.scilifelab.se/.
Duties
The PhD project will involve a combination of fieldwork, laboratory work, and data analysis, with the specific balance depending on the candidate’s interests and the project’s development.
Fieldwork is expected to take place in remote mountain regions of California for 1-3 months each year, supported by field assistants and collaborators. Activities will include collecting, euthanising, and preserving butterflies, as well as conducting behavioral experiments in natural settings. Experiments will be designed to address specific research questions, such as measuring selection or thermal tolerance. In the laboratory in Uppsala, the PhD candidate will perform molecular work, which includes DNA extraction and preparing DNA libraries for whole-genome sequencing. They will use established protocols, with opportunities for optimisation supported by staff and the principal investigator. Utilising existing and newly generated genomic sequences, the candidate will conduct bioinformatic analyses to examine the genetic basis of phenotypes and carry out population genetic studies.
PhD students at the Institute of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) have the option to engage in teaching. The type and level of teaching will depend on availability and the student’s interests, but generally will not exceed 10% of full-time employment. Teaching responsibilities will primarily involve assisting in undergraduate courses within the biology section.
We anticipate the candidate to actively participate in the everyday activities of the research group (in-person meetings with PI, group meetings, training) and at the Program/Department (seminars, journal clubs).
Qualifications required
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must
- hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Evolutionary Biology, Ecology, Bioinformatics, or a related field, or
- have completed at least 240 credits in higher education with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
- have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way (e.g. extensive research experience).
The applicant should have a strong grasp of key concepts in evolutionary biology with focus on population genomics and local adaptation. Experience or proven interest with programming and scripting is essential. Experience with molecular lab work is highly desirable. Additionally, strong teamwork and interpersonal skills are important due to the collaborative nature of this PhD project.
We attach great importance to personal qualities such as initiative, hard-working ethic, enthusiasm for learning and resilience. The ideal candidate should be driven and curious, thrive in a collaborative environment but also be able to take responsibility for independent tasks and projects. Candidates must be able to express themselves at a high level in spoken as well as written English.
Qualifications desired
Additional skills such as previous experience with population genomics analyses, DNA extractions and/or library preparations or fieldwork will be considered advantageous.
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 §7. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2025-06-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.
For further information about the position, please contact
Assistant Professor, SciLifeLab Fellow, Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich, gabriela.montejo-kovacevich@scilifelab.uu.se
Application instructions
The application should include: 1) a letter describing yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a Ph.D., and why you are suitable for the position, 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education, 4) a copy of your master’s degree and your course grades, if applicable, along with a copy of your master’s thesis, 5) names and contact details of at least two referees (email addresses and phone numbers), and 6) any publications if applicable. The application should be written in English.
You are welcome to submit your application no later than January 20, 2025. UFV-PA 2024/4241.
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