PhD student

Published: 2022-01-14

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

Multidisciplinary project in marine microbiology with emphasis on symbiosis

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.

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Project description: The position is associated with an ongoing project on characterising an enigmatic marine endosymbiosis in the micro-eukaryote genus Meringosphaera. These are single-celled eukaryotes that are globally distributed and are considered photosynthetic based on consistent observations of autofluorescent ‘green bodies’ and absence of feeding behaviours. Interestingly, we recently showed that Meringosphaera belongs to the group of heterotrophic protists centrohelids. The overarching goals of this four-year PhD project are to identify the closest free-living relatives to the endosymbionts, and to characterize the levels of cellular, genetic, and metabolic integration of the endosymbionts to pinpoint the nature of this endosymbiosis. A suite of single cell methods will be employed, including single-cell genomics and metagenomics, as well as confocal scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and focused ion beam-secondary electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). The position is based in the laboratory of Fabien Burki at IOB at Uppsala University, but includes a strong collaborative component with the laboratory of Rachel Foster at Stockholm University.

Duties: The position involves sampling, cell isolation, imaging with advanced microscopy, and attempts for cultivation of Meringosphaera cells in enrichment cultures. Additionally, managing the sample preparations for single cell genomics, and a strong bioinformatic component, will be required. Training will be provided when necessary.

Requirements: Completed university education of 240 university points (högskolepoäng, hp) out of which 60 hp on advanced level corresponding to master degree in relevant field to the project. The selected candidate must possess expertise and knowledge in microbial sampling as well as identifying and handling small eukaryotic plankton. Experience in culturing of microbial eukaryotes, background in eukaryotic diversity and photosymbiosis will be seen as highly valuable. A suite of methodologies will be used as described in the project description and are desirable attributes of the candidate. In particular, proven expertise in bioinformatics (e.g. phylogeny, genomics) and use of a scripting language (Python, R) are essential. Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as planning and organizational skills, high-motivation, problem solving and good collaborations and communication skills with other researchers. The applicant must have documented experience and proficiency in oral and written presentation in English.

Additional qualifications: In filling this position, the university aims to recruit the person who, in the combined evaluation of competence, skills and documented qualifications, is judged most suitable to carry out and develop the work-in-hand and to contribute to a positive development of the department.

Position: The PhD-student position is a 4-year appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. Other departmental work, such as teaching or administration can be part of the position (maximum 20 %). Salary placement is in accordance with local guidelines at Uppsala University. The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies at Uppsala University.

Information about research education can be found at the web site of the Faculty of Science and Technology, http://www.teknat.uu.se/Doktorand/.

Application: The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research

interests and motivation of why you want to do a PhD, 2) a short description of your education, 3) a CV, 4) a copy of your master degree and course grades, 5) the names and contact information (address, email address, and phone number) of at least two reference persons, 6) relevant publications (including master thesis). The application should be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 2022-04-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr. Fabien Burki; fabien.burki@ebc.uu.se.

Please submit your application by February 14th 2022, UFV-PA 2022/61.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

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