PhD in Animal Conservation Biology, Uppsala University on Bd

PhD in Animal Conservation Biology, Uppsala University The fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) causes the disease chytridiomycosis and is believed to be one of the major causes for recent global declines of amphibians. Bd was first found in Sweden in 2011. This studentship is aimed at elucidating the relationship between Bd infection and fitness in natural populations of Swedish amphibians. The objective is to determine the extent of Bd infection in Swedish amphibans and whether resistance differs among species and populations. We seek a bright and highly motivated student who ideally holds an M.Sc. or equivalent in a relevant topic (e.g. population-, evolutionary- or conservation genetics/ecology). Experience of working with conservation genetic techniques such as MHC-genetics, sequencing, and genotyping would be advantageous, but full training will be provided. The ideal candidate will also be able to work both independently and as part of a team. A high standard of spoken and written English is required. The student will be based at the Department of Ecology and Genetics (Animal Ecology) at the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) at Uppsala University (http://www.ebc.uu.se). The centre is one of the leading centres for evolutionary biology research in the world and offers a stimulating international environment and excellent research. The working language of the Centre is English. The project is co-supervised by Professors Jacob Höglund and Anssi Laurila. Uppsala is a city of 200,000 inhabitants with an attractive historical centre and easy access to surrounding nature. It offers a very high standard of living and is well connected to the Swedish capital Stockholm and Stockholm-Arlanda international airport. This studentship, which provides a net salary of approx. 2000 per month and includes health insurance, is funded by the Oscar and Lili Lamm Foundation for a period of four years. The salary is at a fixed rate with pre-set increments. Funding is also available for attending conferences. To apply for the position, please provide: (i) a letter of motivation including a maximum 2-page statement of your research interests, relevant skills and experience; (ii) a CV including publication list; and (iii) names and contact details of three referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be emailed as a single PDF file to: jacob.hoglund@ebc.uu.se with 'PhD application' in the subject line. Uppsala University is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly welcome applications from women. Given equal suitability, qualifications and professional achievement, women will be given preference, unless particular circumstances pertaining to a male applicant apply. The application deadline is February 28 2014 and interviews will take place shortly afterwards. The preferred start date is flexible and will depend on the timeframe of the most qualified applicant. For further information, please see: http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/zooeko/People/Jacob_Hoglund/ http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/zooeko/People/Anssi_Laurila/=0Aor contact Jacob Höglund via email (jacob.hoglund@ebc.uu.se) with any informal inquiries. For representative publications, please see: Rogell B, Thörngren H Laurila A Höglund J 2010 Genetic structure in peripheral populations of the natterjack toad, Bufo calamita,

as revealed by AFLP. Cons Gen 11: 173-181 Rogell B Eklund M Thörngren H Laurila A Höglund J 2010 The effect of selection, drift and genetic variation on life history trait divergence among insular populations. Mol Ecol 19: 2229-2240 Wang B Ekblom R Pollock D Bongcam-Rudloff E Höglund J 2012 Transcriptome sequencing of black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) for immune gene discovery and microsatellite development. Open Biology 2: 120054 _____________________________________________ Anssi Laurila Animal Ecology/ Department of Ecology and Genetics Evolutionary Biology Center Uppsala University Norbyvägen 18D 75236 Uppsala Sweden Tel. +46-18-4716493 Mobile: +46-70-2384356 http://www.ebc.uu.se/Research/IEG/zooeko/People/Anssi_Laurila/?languageId=1 Coordinator for postgraduate studies at IEG http://www.ebc.uu.se/education/postgrad/=0A