Two 5-year Ph.D. student positions (with 25% teaching) in Plant
Evolutionary Genetics are available at the Department of Ecology and
Environmental Science, University of Umeå, Sweden. Research in the lab
has an emphasis on molecular population genetics of divergence and
speciation in natural plant populations and is funded by the Swedish
Research Council. The two PhD positions are funded through the
University of Umeå.
There is a lot of flexibility in the specific project that a graduate
student may pursue, as well as ample opportunities for collaborations
within the department. Research in the lab include the importance of
population structure in determining patterns and rates of divergence
during speciation, the importance of hybridization and
polyploidization in plant speciation and the effects of mating system
on the distribution of genetic variation in geographically structured
populations. There is also opportunity for interested students work on
problems in theoretical and statistical population genetics, with an
emphasis on the properties of statistical tests for populations with
geographic subdivision and partial selfing, modeling of the speciation
process in plants and the estimation of the parameters of speciation
models using coalescent and maximum likelihood methods. Molecular
methods employed in the lab encompass PCR amplification of cytoplasmic
and nuclear genes, cloning, and DNA sequencing on automated
sequencers. Data analysis involves standard population genetic
procedures to estimate various population parameters, phylogenetic
analyses as well as novel approaches likely to be developed within the
project. For more information about current research in the lab please
refer to the lab homepage
(http://www.eg.umu.se/personal/ingvarsson_par).
General Information: Both positions require a B.Sc. degree (or
equivalent) in Biology or another relevant area of science, and
preferentially experience in, and enthusiasm for, population genetics
and evolutionary biology. Knowledge of standard molecular techniques
(PCR, DNA sequencing), mathematics, statistics and/or computer science
is considered highly advantageous, but the overall quality of the
applicant is the most important factor.
Both positions carry a salary according to a current levels for
graduate students at the University of Umeå and includes a 25%
teaching assistantship. Entry level salary is currently c. 160k SEK
per year (equivalent to approx. 18k Euro). Earliest starting date is
June 1, 2002, but the actual starting date is somewhat flexible.
Applications should contain a CV, a cover letter with a brief
statement of research interest, and contact details (names, e-mail and
postal addresses) of two professional references. Applications
(preferably by e-mail) received by May 15, 2002 are assured full
consideration. For further information or for answers to any questions
regarding the positions, please contact Dr. Pelle Ingvarsson
(pelle at eg.umu.se) or through:
Pelle Ingvarsson
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science
University of Umeå
SE-901 87 Umeå
Sweden
tel: +46-90-786-7414
fax: +46-90-786-6705
