PhD Position in Microbial Ecology, the Department of Ecology and Evolution/Limnology, Uppsala University, Sweden

Project description: 
The major aim of the PhD project is to study the effect of environmental disturbances on the composition of bacterial communities. Particular focus will be placed on the investigation of community assembly patterns and mechanisms in temporal habitats where disturbances, such as draught and other environmental changes, occur frequently. In addition, the project will address the resistance and resilience of bacterial communities and how they are related to the strength and frequency of a disturbance. Approaches will include field studies and lab- as well as field experiments. The project also requires the application of a range of molecular techniques to characterize the bacterial community composition. The results of this project will improve our knowledge about the regulating factors of microbial diversity and the responses of microbial communities to environmental change and perturbations.

The position will be placed within the Limnology programme at the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Uppsala University http://www.ebc.uu.se/limno/

Qualifications:  
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate that is interested in working at the interface between general and microbial ecology. Applicants are requested to have a BSc or MSc in biology or a related field and should have a background in ecology or microbial ecology. Previous experience in the application of molecular methods will be considered an advantage, but is not required.

Applications (1 copy) should include a brief description of research interests and past research experience, Curriculum vitae and the name and contact information of 2 personal references. Relevant publications (articles, BSc / MSc thesis or similar) should be attached to the application. Applicants are also asked to indicate the earliest feasible starting date of employment in the application.

For further information about the position, please contact Silke Langenheder, e-mail: silke.langenheder[at]ebc.uu.se, phone: +46 18 471 6487. The trade union representatives are Anders Grundström, SACO , phone +46 18 471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone +46 18 471 1996 and Stefan Djurström, SEKO, phone: +46 18 471 3315. Local salary guidelines are applicable.

Please submit your application to Registrator, UFV-PA 2008/2947, Uppsala University, Box 256, SE-75105 Uppsala, Sweden, or e-mail; registrator[at]uu.se before January 7, 2009. If an application is sent by fax or e-mail, it has to be completed by a written application within a week’s time after the deadline of the application period.

Closing date: January 7, 2009