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PhD position in Plant Systematics, University of Gothenburg

Publicerat av Bengt Oxelman --

http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/announcements-in-the-job-application-portal/?languageId=0&disableRedirect=true&id=19144&Dnr=767692&Type=E

Project description
Species is one of the most fundamental units in biology. Despite this, there is a lot of controversy on how the species category is characterized. Evolutionary biology in particular and biology in general have recently gained enormously from conceptual and empirical developments in our understanding of how species are formed and related. However, much of this has been based on small amounts of information in models that may be statistically misleading. With the increased availability of DNA sequence data at the genomic level, it is time to develop statistical tools and models that make full use of this information. In this project, we will develop and refine statistical methods that are based on the multispecies coalescent to derive species delimitations and assignments. The recently developed methods that infer species trees while taking uncertainty in species delimitation into account offer an excellent baseline.
We will extend these to take morphological and geographical trait data into account, and merge them with species networks in this project, we will make heavy use of the large empirical data sets from projects studying reticulate phylogenetics among ca 750 species of Sileneae.
The student will become a member of the Scandinavian research school in biosystematics, ForBio (http://www.forbio.uio.no).

Job assignments
The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodology experience, analytical skills, and theoretical depth and breadth.
Techniques used within the project include preparation of DNA suitable for modern mass sequencing techniques, and bioinformatics handling and analysis of the data. The studies will be conducted mostly as laborative studies. Shorter periods may also be spent as field work. Specific research topics associated with the research project include plant systematics, bioinformatics, and phylogenetics.

Third cycle education
Admission to third cycle education is aiming at a PhD in Natural Science, specialising Biology. The education runs for four years of fulltime studies, containing three years of thesis work, and one year of academic education i.e. course work and literature studies. A selection of courses at the Department/Faculty is available, but national/international courses can also be selected. Some teaching and/or course administration can be included which extends the contract to the same extent.

Eligibility
The qualifications for education on a doctoral level are: degree in advanced level, at least 240 university points, of which 60 are on an advanced level, or in an other way acquired similar knowledge.

Assessment
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80.

We are seeking a highly motivated person for PhD studies in evolutionary plant systematics with emphasis on species tree models
Good communication skills (written and spoken) in English are necessary.

Specialization within bioinformatics and experience of modern mass DNA sequencing protocols is advantageous.

Basic knowledge in computer programming is a merit.

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed by phone /skype.

Additional information
The application must include:

A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria (max. one A4 page)

An attested list of qualifications (CV)

Examination certificates and a transcript of courses with grades

A copy of the Masters thesis (or equivalent)

Employments certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant

Contact information for at least two referees that are familiar with the applicant’s qualifications

The application should be written in English.

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Related information

For further information please contact

Bengt Oxelman, Professor
+46(0)31 768 26 78
bengt.oxelman@gu.se

Henrik Aronsson, Head of Department
+46(0)31-786 48 02
henrik.aronsson@bioenv.gu.se

bioenv.gu.se

Labour union

SACO: Klas Eriksson
+46(0)31-7861989
klas.eriksson@gu.se

OFR/S: Anna Nilsson
+46(0)31-786 43 00
anna.nilsson@globalstudies.gu.se

SEKO: X X
+46(0)31-786 1173
seko@gu.se

Closing date

2016-06-30

Appointment Procedure

Please apply online.

Complementary documents, such as publications/books should be sent to the following address: University of Gothenburg, Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Att: Ingela Lyck, Box 463, 405 30 Gothenburg

Reference number should be clearly stated when sending complementary documents.

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

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

Appointments Procedure for Teachers

Appointments Procedure for Teachers

Bengt Oxelman
Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences
Göteborg University
Box 461
SE-40530 Göteborg
Sweden
Tel. +46 31 786 2678

Faktura: Box 1023, 831 29 Östersund. Referens ”3130BOXEBE”

inbjudan till systematikdagarna

Publicerat av Magnus Lidén --

[for English, see below]

Uppsalas två universitet välkomnar alla till Systematikdagarna 2016, ett forum för vetenskapligt utbyte, spjutspetsforskning och överraskningar för alla intresserade av biologisk systematik. De kommer att gå av stapeln 21-22 november på evolutionsbiologiskt centrum. Vi utlovar många intressanta föredrag, workshops och postrar.

Priset blir som vanligt lågt, men det kompenseras av god mat och trevligt umgänge. Se till att redan nu anteckna dessa datum i din kalender.

Formell anmälning från augusti via web-formulär.

Är du intresserad av att bidraga med föredrag eller fråga om något, hör gärna av dig redan nu till följande adress:

systematikdagarna2016@ebc.uu.se

Under Systematikdagarna avhålls också Svenska Systematikföreningens årsmöte.

———————————————————————————————–

You are most welcome to Systematikdagarna 2016, the annual gathering for everyone with an interest in biological systematics, this year hosted by the Uppsala universities November 21-22. Please make sure to note these days in your calender.

Formal registration from August, via SSF webpage [you will be notified].

The price will be very low. Talks, workshops, poster session, good food and merriments are on the agenda.

If you like to contribute, e.g. with a talk, please tell us. You reach us at

systematikdagarna2016@ebc.uu.se

 

 

Research School in Biosystematics – ForBio: course overview

Publicerat av Hugo de Boer --

The Research School in Biosystematics – ForBio is organising a number of relevant courses in the summer and autumn this year, and we invite you to apply to these courses, or forward this overview to interested colleagues for further dissemination to students and postdocs.

Looking forward to seeing you at our courses! Hugo – ForBio

—————
Transmitting Science and ForBio course: Introduction to Electron Microscopy for Life Sciences
Time and place: Jul 5, 2016 09:00 AM – Jul 8, 2016 06:00 PM, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona (Spain).
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/electronmicroscopy.html

SIU and ForBio course: Dead Wood Course
Time and place: Aug 8, 2016 – Aug 11, 2016, Lammi Biological Station, Finland
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Deadwood

ForBio and STIRs course: DNA barcoding – from theory to applications
Time and place: Aug 22, 2016 – Aug 26, 2016, Zoology building, Medicinaregatan 18, Gothenburg
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/barcoding.html

ForBio course: Marine Annelids in the Norwegian Sea
Time and place: Sep 4, 2016 – Sep 10, 2016, NTNU, Sletvik Field Station , Norway
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Annelid%20field%20course

SIU and ForBio course: Polypores as tools in forest conservation
Time and place: Sep 19, 2016 – Sep 23, 2016, Lammi Biological Station, Finland
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Polypores

ForBio and UiO: Mycology field course
Time and place: Sep 26, 2016 – Sep 30, 2016, Biological Station Drøbak, Norway
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/mycology.html

ForBio course: Introduction to Bioinformatics for Biosystematics
Time and place: Oct 3, 2016 – Oct 7, 2016, Biological Station Drøbak, Norway
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/bioinfointro_2016.html

DEST and ForBio course: Philosophy of Biological Systematics
Time and place: Oct 10, 2016 – Oct 14, 2016, Biological Station Drøbak
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/philbiolsyst.html

DEST and ForBio course: Basics of Taxonomy – describing, illustrating and communicating biodiversity
Time and place: Oct 10, 2016 09:00 AM – Oct 21, 2016 06:00 PM, Zoology house, Medicinaregatan 18, Gothenburg, Sweden
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Basics%20of%20Taxonomy.html

ForBio course: Species Concepts and Species Delimitation
Time and place: Oct 24, 2016 – Oct 28, 2016, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Species%20delimitation

SIU and ForBio course: Biodiversity data management and open data
Time and place: Oct 31, 2016 – Nov 4, 2016, Tartu, Estonia
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Open%20data

ForBio course: Phylogenomics
Time and place: Nov 14, 2016 09:00 AM – Nov 18, 2016 05:00 PM, Natural History Museum, University of Oslo
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/phylogenomics.html

ForBio course: Species Concepts and Species Delimitation

Publicerat av Hugo de Boer --

The Research School in Biosystematics – ForBio invites you to:

ForBio course: Species Concepts and Species Delimitation
http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Species%20delimitation

Time and place: Oct 24, 2016 – Oct 28, 2016, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
Teachers: Kevin de Queiroz, Smithsonian Institution, Washington; Joan Pons, Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), Balearic Islands, Paschalia Kapli, Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies

Course content
What is a species? Are they real entities we can define and diagnose? In this course you will learn about philosophical, conceptual, theoretical and practical issues around species concepts and the implication of their different definitions in ecological and conservation studies. Species boundaries in many organism groups are still in a state of flux, and for empirical species delimitation, finding appropriate character sets and analytical tools are among the greatest challenges. We will review the advantages and disadvantages of different types of data for species assessment and you will be introduced to the different methods for species delimitation based on DNA sequence data and interpretation of results. Students will gain hands-on-experience about distance and tree based methods for species delimitation, including the use of software such as CROP, ABGD, UCLUST, PTP, GMYC and BPP. We will generate stimulating discussion about the interpretation of results and the advantages and limitations of these methods.

Learning targets
• Understanding the implications of the different species concepts
• Pros and cons of different types of data for species assessments
• Gain an overview of different methods for species delimitation using DNA sequence data, and their advantages and limitations.
• Hands-on experience with distance and tree based approaches.

Credits: 3 ECTS
Level: PhD students, postdocs and researchers – with experience in phylogenetic analyses.
Participants: Maximum number of participants is 18.
Registration: http://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2016/Species%20delimitation
Application deadline: October 1, 2016

ForBio/Hugo and Maria