About the position

Position as PhD Research Fellow in Evolutionary Genomics and Island Biology available at Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences.

The fellowship period is 3 years. Starting date no later than March 1st 2025.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo. 

Job description

Some of the most diverse lineages on our planet (e.g. Darwin's Finches and Hawaiian Silverswords), are found in oceanic archipelagos. Paradoxically, species in these regions often have small population sizes, frequently experience bottlenecks and founder events, and are prone to inbreeding—all factors typically detrimental to genetic diversity. How, then, can these remotely located lineages, subject to such genetic constraints, maintain enough diversity to radiate and evolve? This project aims to explore this fascinating paradox.

This multidisciplinary PhD project will incorporate ecology, genomics, and evolutionary biology to investigate the evolution of genetic variation on three lineages within the Asteraceae family in the Galápagos: Scalesia, Lecocarpus, and Darwiniothamnus. There will be opportunities for fieldwork in the Galápagos, and research visits abroad (Australia, Canada, Ecuador) as part of this research project.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their own research direction within the broader framework of the project and alongside international collaborators. 

This project study will integrate a variety of molecular and bioinformatic approaches, benefiting from a large herbarium collection. 

We will utilize:

1) population genomic tools, such as ancestral recombination graph-based inferences, to estimate the age of haplotypes and genetic variation; 

2) conduct simulations of genomic data using software like SLiM and msprime; 

3) examine the role of structural variants and pangenomes in genetic variation.

The position provides an exciting opportunity to join a friendly, diverse and very active research group with a focus on close mentorship, skills and career development. We conduct weekly lab meetings, group discussions and provide hands-on training for all group members. The group is situated with the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES) which is a vibrant interdisciplinary research cluster with an active and welcoming research culture.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, bioinformatics, ecology, genetics or evolutionary biology.
• Or a foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with whole genome data and computational biology or bioinformatics (genome assembly and annotation, pangenome graphs, population genomics, phylogenomics) 
• Knowledge of laboratory work ideally with experience in DNA extraction, quantification and library preparation.
• Fieldwork experience

Grade requirements:

The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements

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

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see here.

Personal skills

We seek a highly motivated, enthusiastic person with the ambition to gain insight and publish papers in leading, international journals, with strong interpersonal and organisational skills and the capability to work in close collaboration with others.

Experience with and/or a strong interest in working in an interdisciplinary manner is considered an advantage.

We offer

• Possibilities to attend a conference each year
• Strong supervisory support and mentoring to pursue an academic career;
• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400 per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement 
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• A well-justified cover letter including a statement of interest, briefly summarizing your scientific work and interests, and a personal assessment focusing on how you fit the description of the person we seek
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information about the position please contact: 

• José Cerca, e-mail: jose.cerca@ibv.uio.no 
• Kjetill S. Jakobsen, e-mail: k.s.jakobsen@ibv.uio.no 

For questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact HR Adviser Nina Holtan, email: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no

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