PhD position in Evolutionary Genomics and Zoology, Norway

The Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, is the largest of its kind in Norway with approximately 150 employees engaged in research, teaching, curating collections and popularizing the sciences of botany, mycology, zoology, paleontology and geology.

Job description

The subject of the PhD project will address the genomic foundations of cryptic speciation in marine interstitial invertebrates. The detection of cryptic species is exponentially increasing in the past two decades. This includes many interstitial species living in the space between the sand grains, for which the “Meiofauna paradox” is long known. That is, morphological identical species with very limited dispersal capacities exhibit a global distribution. The paradox is related to cryptic speciation, but several aspects are unknown. 1) What is driving speciation? 2) How strongly is gene flow limited between populations? 3) Does sympatry of cryptic species occur? 4) Why are the species morphologically static? These questions shall be addressed using European populations from the interstitial polychaete Stygocapitella subterranea  as a model system. Population and evolutionary genomic approaches will be explored to assess gene flow, signatures of different selection regimes and phylogeography.

The project will be based on morphological and molecular methods. NHM have access to modern DNA-laboratory facilities. The PhD will be associated with the professor of evolutionary genomics at NHM, Torsten Struck.

Requirements

• We seek a person with strong motivation for evolutionary genomics.
• The candidate must be skilled in laboratory practices relating to DNA extraction, next-generation sequencing of genomes including RAD sequencing and preferably working with small amounts of tissue material (i.e., whole genome amplification).
• Very good computing skills and background in bioinformatics are required for handling and analyzing large data sets emerging from next-generation sequencing approaches.
• General knowledge about annelid morphology and identification of interstitial species will be advantageous.
• Collaboration and communication skills (including written and spoken English)
• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology or related disciplines like bioinformatics.

We offer

• Salary based on salary level 50-55 (NOK 430 500 – 467 700 per year)
• A challenging and friendly working environment
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Attractive welfare benefits

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree. The fellowship requires admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Appointment to a research fellowship is conditional upon admission to the Faculty’s research training program. A plan for the research training must be submitted no later than two months after taking up the position, and the admission approved within three months.

Compulsory service, duty work, shall represent 25% of the total hours of work.

Evaluation of the application

In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the academic and personal ability of the candidate to complete the project within the given timeframe and write a PhD thesis under supervision. Interviews with selected candidates will be arranged. Please also refer to the English translation of regulations pertaining to the conditions of employment for research fellowship positions:

http://www.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phd/application/

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/phd-programme/index.html

A good command of English is required.

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/doctoral-degree-and-career/regulations/proficiency-requirements.html

The application must include:

• Application letter
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work, scientific publications and other relevant activities)
• Copies of educational certificates and letters of recommendation
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluating committee
• A one page explanation of how a PhD in evolutionary genomics will fit into the applicant’s career plan
• Names and contact details of 2-3 referees (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments is to be delivered in our electronic recruiting system EasyCruit. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University’s grading system. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

The University of Oslo has an agreement regarding acquisition of rights to work results for all employees, with the aim to secure rights to research results, etc.

The University of Oslo has a goal of recruiting more women in academic positions. Women are encouraged to apply. In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications for all interested individuals regardless of sex or ethnicity. According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.