[Lista-Algas] Fw: PhD position in phytoplankton ecology

[Andrés Boltovskoy]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Karin Rengefors" <Karin.Rengefors at LIMNOL.LU.SE>
To: <ALGAE-L at LISTSERV.HEANET.IE>


PhD Scholarship in Phytoplankton Ecology - Dispersal barriers in an invasive 
bloom-forming alga

see: http://admin.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=22598&Dnr=375341&Type=E

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 18 months, after that doctoral 
empolyment
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Biology (Ecology), Lund
First day of employment: 2011-03-01 or as soon as possible
Official Records Number: NPA 2011/9

Job description

The aim of the research project is to identify the barriers to dispersal in 
a microalgal species that forms blooms in freshwater lakes. This research 
has implications for the understanding of the dispersal of microalgae and 
microorganisms in general, as well as for predicting the occurrence of new 
algal blooms. The approach is to determine the importance of physical versus 
biological dispersal barriers by analyzing the genetic diversity patterns. 
The current hypothesis is that physical dispersal barriers are important for 
generating genetic differentiation. Instead, differentiation among 
microalgal populations might be explained by so called founder effects. 
Founder effects refer to the dominance of strains or species that arrive 
first to a new habitat. In laboratory and mesocosm experiments, priority 
effects and invasion sequence will be investigated in the algal species 
Gonyostomum semen. The position will be based at the unit of Aquatic 
Ecology, Department of Biology, Lund University, in southern Sweden. The PhD 
project is a part of a larger project financed by Formas (The Swedish 
Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences, and Spatial 
Planning), and will involve collaboration with other PhD students and a 
group at Gothenburg University (Ass. Prof. Anna Godhe). The project is 
suitable for applicants who would like to combine ecology and population 
genetics with molecular biological tools. The practical work will include 
PCR-based techniques, analyses of population genetic data, algal culturing, 
and microscopy. Experimental work will be performed both in the laboratory 
and in the field. In addition, the PhD student will be able to join the 
Research School in Genomic Ecology (GENECO) in Lund. This program will give 
access to a network of other PhD students and researchers in genomic 
ecology, annual meetings, workshops, travel grants to visit other 
institutions, as well as a career mentor.
Eligibility/Entry Requirements

Requirements for this position are an MSc or comparable degree in ecology 
preferably with an aquatic and/or molecular ecological specialization. The 
successful candidate will have very good experience in molecular techniques. 
A driver's license is required, as is very good knowledge of written and 
spoken English.



Basis of Assessment

Regulations for employment as a postgraduate student can be found in the 
Swedish Statute Book (SFS 1998:80). Only those admitted to postgraduate 
studies can be appointed to such a position. When appointing applicants to 
such a position, first and foremost their ability to benefit from 
postgraduate studies must be taken into consideration. In addition to 
pursuing postgraduate studies, the doctoral student may also perform other 
duties, including research, teaching and administration, according to the 
specific regulations.

For further information please contact:
Karin Rengefors, Professor
+46 46 2228427
karin.rengefors at limnol.lu.se

Application procedure: go to http://www.naturvetenskap.lu.se/o.o.i.s/11729

Last Day of Applying
       2011-02-06


Appointment Procedure

Complete information about the application process can be found 
here:http://www.naturvetenskap.lu.se/o.o.i.s/11729 Applications for 
advertised positions must be received by the date specified in the 
announcement.

Lund University promotes an equal opportunities code. We encourage both men 
and women to apply for this position.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) six months after 
the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed 
and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.



Karin Rengefors, PhD
Professor
Aquatic Ecology, Dept. of Biology
Ecology Building, Lund University
SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
Phone: +46 46 222 8427
web: http:/www.limnol.lu.se