PhD fellowship in Daphnia adaptation
Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen
The Department of Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship on adaptation of Daphnia to salinization through space and time.
Start date is (expected to be) 01.09.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
In the Anthropocene freshwater ecosystems are faced with a number of challenges. Salinization of freshwater ecosystems is an emerging threat worldwide. Chloride concentrations are increasing in lakes, due to run-off from sodium chloride used for deicing, mining or agriculture. Daphnia are keystone-herbivores in freshwater ecosystems. The tolerance of Daphnia, to sodium chloride is known to be species-specific, depends on food quantity and food quality. This PhD project will experimentally explore phenotypic adaptive responses of Daphnia to increased salinisation through space and time. Consequences of adaptation to other anthropogenic threats, such as eutrophication and subsequent cyanobacterial blooms will be investigated. Building on exisiting knowledge, this research will identify the role of nutrition in adapting to salinization of freshwater ecosystems.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Ecology, Limnology or Marine Biology. It is an advantage to have previous work or research experience in zooplankton culturing techniques. Experience with large-scale experimental-design and executation is also advantageous. The candidate should have a curious and creative mind-set with a strong interest to work with organisms and in the field. It is also necessary to possess excellent data analysis, communication, presentation, and academic writing skills in English.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The Freshwater Biology Section is part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.
The history of the Section for Freshwater Biology dates back to 1897 and is thus founded on strong scientific traditions. Our research answers questions related to patterns in biological diversity, adaptations of organisms in relation to their environment and the structure and ecological processes in streams, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. Together with our extensive network of external collaborators, both nationally and internationally, we focus on research with a timely focus on current challenges related to e.g. climate change, land-use and nature management. Research approach covers field experiments and surveys, and experimental setups in the lab. The section comprises research and teaching of staff members, laboratory technicians, Post Docs, PhD candidates and MSc and BSc students. Research infrastructure includes modern laboratory facilities equipped with extensive hardware for analysis of samples, various gear and vessels for field sampling, a state-of-the-art greenhouse and temperature-controlled rooms.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.
Principal supervisor is Associate professor Dean Jacobsen. Co-Supervisor is Tenure Track Assistant professor Jana Isanta Navarro jana.isanta-navarro@bio.ku.dk.
The PhD programme
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Ecology, Limnology or Marine Biologz. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest in aquatic ecosystems, zooplankton and experimental work.
- Good language skills
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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible)
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 1 March 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 18.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Deadline: 2024-03-01 at 23:59
Unit: Health/Life sciences
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.