Science and Engineering Scholarships: PhD Research Fellow in evolutionary biology

The CEES is a centre of excellence for integrative biological research and is well-funded. It provides a stimulating research environment, situated at the Department of Biology, with many young international and Norwegian scientists working on a variety of theoretical and empirical topics within ecology, evolution, population genetics, genomics, phylogenetics, molecular biology, and statistical methodology. The CEES is chaired by Nils Chr. Stenseth and currently employs 16 permanent employees, 43 postdocs/researchers, 32 PhD students and 30 MSc students. Information about the centre can be found athttp://www.cees.uio.no/

The PhD fellow will be part of a project funded by The Norwegian Research Council. The position as PhD is tentatively available from April 1st on the project “On the evolutionary genomics and behavioral ecology of homoploid hybrid speciation in Passer sparrows”.

The PhD position is for a period for 3 years.

Job Description

We seek to employ a candidate on the project: “On the evolutionary genomics and behavioral ecology of homoploid hybrid speciation in Passer sparrows.” The successful candidate will work in a research team that works on evolutionary processes related to speciation. The project focuses on different species of sparrows and in particular the Italian sparrow (Passer italiae) that appears to be a stabilized hybrid form between the house sparrow (P. domesticus) and the Spanish sparrow (P. hispaniolensis). The project includes

comparative genomics using 454-technology
analysis of genetic variation across transects through hybrid zones
phylogeographic studies of the species complex
association studies of traits affecting reproductive barriers using a candidate gene approach
ecological and behavioural studies related to assortative mating in aviaries and in the field
breeding experiments in aviaries to investigate the inheritance of mate preferences and potential genetic incompatibilities between the species.

The successful candidate will be involved in 3-4 of these subprojects pending on qualifications and interests.

Requirements

We search for a candidate with a strong background in evolutionary biology. Experience with evolutionary genetic methods is required. Experience with evolutionary ecological or behavioural work on free-living or captive animals is a further asset. Applicants must hold a MSC-degree (or equivalent).

The purpose for the fellowship is research training leading to a successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the research training 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. An approved plan for the research training must be submitted no later than one month after taking up the position, and the admission approved within three months. Click here for more information.

A good command of English is required for all students attending the University of Oslo. International students who are not native speakers of English must document their proficiency in English. Click here for more information.

Salary

Pay Grade 48-56 (NOK 383 700 - 440 500 per year, depending on qualifications)

The application must include

a cover letter including a statement of interest, summarizing the applicant’s scientific work and interests and describing how she/he fits the requirements for the position,
a CV including a list of published and unpublished works,
transcripts of records, copies of certificates and grades from bachelor and master level,
two letters from reference persons or names and addresses of two reference persons, and
copies of relevant published papers. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

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.

In accordance with the University of Oslo’s equal opportunities policy, we invite applications from all interested individuals regardless of gender or ethnicity.

UiO has an agreement for all employees aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.Click here for more information.