Postdoctoral Postion in Biology Reference number PAR 2024/639 The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. Doctoral position in biology, with a focus on plant evolutionary biology At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals, and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and combinations of these fields to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment. The department is placed at two different localities: in Natrium at Medicinaregatan 7B in Gothenburg and at the Kristineberg marine research station operated by the Marine Infrastructure at the University of Gothenburg. The current employment is based at Natrium in Gothenburg. We offer The University of Gothenburg is a state authority, which means special benefits, more holidays and a great pension. You can read more about our employment benefits here. General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages. Doctoral studies \| University of Gothenburg (gu.se) Project description Human-mediated long-distance dispersal (LDD) is a threat to biodiversity, owing to the invasive success of many alien species. There is evidence, however, to suggest that historical LDD has stimulated diversification, probably by presenting novel opportunities and conditions of ecological release, but this idea needs testing in a phylogenetically replicated manner. For this project you will focus on the large Asteraceae Core Clade (24 000 species), which radiated initially in southern Africa (SA) and globally following repeated LDD to other continents. The overall objective of this PhD is to test the hypothesis that LDD stimulates diversification at global and regional scales, producing a pattern of nested radiation. It also seeks to evaluate the factors that modulate the effect of LDD on diversification. Potential tasks include: (i) using high-throughput and Sanger DNA sequence data to generate a species-level phylogenetic tree for the SA-based ACC radiation; (ii) using the resulting tree to compare diversification between out-of-SA emigrant clades and their non-dispersed SA sisters; and (iii) using the tree to test the role of LDD in stimulating regional diversification within SA. There is also scope to include a component comparing population genetic diversity and structure in three sister species pairs representing recent LDD from SA to the Mediterranean, and so testing the influence of founder effects on diversification following intercontinental LDD. The student will be hosted in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences under the principal supervision of Prof G Anthony Verboom, though this project is being run in collaboration with researchers at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, and the Universities of Cape Town (South Africa) and León (Spain). There is also scope for collaboration with other researchers in the Biological & Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Gothenburg. Duties The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodological experience, analytical skills, as well as theoretical depth and breadth. Techniques used within the project include field and herbarium sampling of leaf material for molecular work, preparation of DNAs for sequencing, bioinformatic processing of sequence data, phylogenetic analysis, GIS-based spatial analysis, and comparative macroevolutionary analysis. The studies will be conducted mostly in the field and laboratory. Field and herbarium sampling will be done in South Africa, Spain, and Morocco, and there is a possibility of doing some of the work at Kew. Specific research topics associated with the research project include evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetics, macroecology, and systematics. Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.  As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration. Eligibility Education at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject. The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level are: having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad. To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must*: have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant subject area in the natural sciences, or have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications. Relevant subject for the planned third-cycle education is * One of these eligibility requirements must be met before the admission decision is made. Assessment criteria The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the education at third-cycle level. It is a requirement that the applicants have: Knowledge of and basic training in evolutionary biology and systematics. An academic record reflecting a capacity for critical thought and an ability to succeed in the academic environment. Experience of quantitative data analysis. Ability to work well alone and as part of a group. Organizational skills and ability to co-lead and coordinate a large project which involves collecting, processing, and analyzing large amounts of samples and data. Willingness to conduct field work (wild plant collecting) in Africa. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken. Other desirable qualifications are: Advanced knowledge of plant taxonomy, systematics, and evolution. Working experience of methodologies used in systematics, including preparation of samples for DNA sequencing, bioinformatic processing of DNA sequence data, phylogenetic inference, and macroevolutionary/comparative analysis. Strong numeracy skills, including an ability to code in R. Experience of planning and conducting field work under remote or challenging conditions, particularly in an African context. Experience of working in a team. Willingness to mentor undergraduate students at the host department. Drivers licence. The application should be written in English and must include: A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria An attested list of qualifications (CV) Examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades A copy of the Master thesis (or equivalent) Employment certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed digitally. Employment Once you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg. The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100. Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time. A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years. Placed at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Natrium Extent: 100% First day of employment: 13 January 2025, or by agreement The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students. Contact information For further information please contact: G Anthony Verboom, Professor Phone: +46 76 618 59 23 Email: tony.verboom@bioenv.gu.se Webpage: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QT3_z5IAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department Phone: +46 31 786 26 25 Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se If you have any questions about the employment process, please contact HR at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, hr@bioenv.gu.se Unions Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande Application You can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. Applications must be received by: September 20th, 2024  Information for International Applicants Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations. Salaries are set individually at the University. In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed. In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Postdoctoral Postion in Biology

Reference number PAR 2024/639

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

Doctoral position in biology, with a focus on plant evolutionary biology

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals, and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and combinations of these fields to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at two different localities: in Natrium at Medicinaregatan 7B in Gothenburg and at the Kristineberg marine research station operated by the Marine Infrastructure at the University of Gothenburg. The current employment is based at Natrium in Gothenburg.

We offer

The University of Gothenburg is a state authority, which means special benefits, more holidays and a great pension. You can read more about our employment benefits here.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.

Doctoral studies | University of Gothenburg (gu.se)

Project description

Human-mediated long-distance dispersal (LDD) is a threat to biodiversity, owing to the invasive success of many alien species. There is evidence, however, to suggest that historical LDD has stimulated diversification, probably by presenting novel opportunities and conditions of ecological release, but this idea needs testing in a phylogenetically replicated manner. For this project you will focus on the large Asteraceae Core Clade (24 000 species), which radiated initially in southern Africa (SA) and globally following repeated LDD to other continents. The overall objective of this PhD is to test the hypothesis that LDD stimulates diversification at global and regional scales, producing a pattern of nested radiation. It also seeks to evaluate the factors that modulate the effect of LDD on diversification. Potential tasks include: (i) using high-throughput and Sanger DNA sequence data to generate a species-level phylogenetic tree for the SA-based ACC radiation; (ii) using the resulting tree to compare diversification between out-of-SA emigrant clades and their non-dispersed SA sisters; and (iii) using the tree to test the role of LDD in stimulating regional diversification within SA. There is also scope to include a component comparing population genetic diversity and structure in three sister species pairs representing recent LDD from SA to the Mediterranean, and so testing the influence of founder effects on diversification following intercontinental LDD.

The student will be hosted in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences under the principal supervision of Prof G Anthony Verboom, though this project is being run in collaboration with researchers at the Gothenburg Botanical Garden, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the South African National Biodiversity Institute, and the Universities of Cape Town (South Africa) and León (Spain). There is also scope for collaboration with other researchers in the Biological & Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Gothenburg.

Duties

The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodological experience, analytical skills, as well as theoretical depth and breadth. Techniques used within the project include field and herbarium sampling of leaf material for molecular work, preparation of DNAs for sequencing, bioinformatic processing of sequence data, phylogenetic analysis, GIS-based spatial analysis, and comparative macroevolutionary analysis. The studies will be conducted mostly in the field and laboratory. Field and herbarium sampling will be done in South Africa, Spain, and Morocco, and there is a possibility of doing some of the work at Kew. Specific research topics associated with the research project include evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetics, macroecology, and systematics.

Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. 

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.

Eligibility

Education at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.

The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level are:

having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or
- the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or

the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must**:

have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant subject for the planned third-cycle education is

** One of these eligibility requirements must be met before the admission decision is made.

Assessment criteria

The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the education at third-cycle level.

It is a requirement that the applicants have:

Knowledge of and basic training in evolutionary biology and systematics.
An academic record reflecting a capacity for critical thought and an ability to succeed in the academic environment.
Experience of quantitative data analysis.
Ability to work well alone and as part of a group.
Organizational skills and ability to co-lead and coordinate a large project which involves collecting, processing, and analyzing large amounts of samples and data.
Willingness to conduct field work (wild plant collecting) in Africa.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

Other desirable qualifications are:

Advanced knowledge of plant taxonomy, systematics, and evolution.
Working experience of methodologies used in systematics, including preparation of samples for DNA sequencing, bioinformatic processing of DNA sequence data, phylogenetic inference, and macroevolutionary/comparative analysis.
Strong numeracy skills, including an ability to code in R.
Experience of planning and conducting field work under remote or challenging conditions, particularly in an African context.
Experience of working in a team.
Willingness to mentor undergraduate students at the host department.
Drivers licence.

The application should be written in English and must include:

A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
An attested list of qualifications (CV)
Examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades
A copy of the Master thesis (or equivalent)
Employment certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed digitally.

Employment

Once you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years.

Placed at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Natrium
Extent: 100%
First day of employment: 13 January 2025, or by agreement

The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.

Contact information

For further information please contact:

G Anthony Verboom, Professor
Phone: +46 76 618 59 23
Email: tony.verboom@bioenv.gu.se
Webpage: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=QT3_z5IAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao

Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department
Phone: +46 31 786 26 25
Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se

If you have any questions about the employment process, please contact HR at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, hr@bioenv.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application

You can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

Applications must be received by: September 20th, 2024 

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

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