PhD student in evolutionary and ecological genetics

Do you want to conduct groundbreaking research in a prominent environment within evolutionary biology? The Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) at Uppsala University conducts world-leading research in biology, from molecules to ecosystems and global biodiversity patterns. We are now seeking a PhD student who wants to develop their research career with us.

IEG at Evolutionsbiologiskt centrum is an international research environment with access to advanced research infrastructures, such as supercomputer resources (NAISS), SciLifeLab platforms, climate laboratory, greenhouses, and modern laboratories. PhD students can also join the department's doctoral school, which offers excellent opportunities for networking.

The position is offered within the research program for Zooekologi. The research includes, among other things, population and conservation genomics, quantitative genetics, evolutionary ecology, behavioral ecology, and macroecology.

Project description: A central question in evolutionary biology is whether evolutionary changes are repeatable and whether the same genes contribute to repeated phenotypic adaptations. This question has important implications for our ability to predict genetic responses to changing environments. This project aims to integrate mechanistic insights into phenotypic adaptation with genomic data to understand how species develop adaptations to changes in their habitat.

The project will utilize data from a large-scale Evolve-and-Resequence experiment on a widespread pest insect, the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. This unique system enables studies of the role of determinism and chance in local adaptation and the evolution of a species' ecological niche. Phenotypic data, RNA-seq, and DNA pool-seq data are available from several time points in the experiment, which is still ongoing. The Berger group also maintains several other geographic populations of C. maculatus as well as closely related species of seed beetles. This provides opportunities for comparative genomics as well as additional experiments and data collection.

Tasks: The PhD project will involve a combination of experimental laboratory work and bioinformatic analysis, with an emphasis on the latter. The exact distribution of tasks may depend on the candidate's interests and the development of the project.

PhD students at the Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG) have the opportunity to participate in teaching and to develop their pedagogical CV by teaching courses. The type and extent of teaching depend on availability and the student's interests but may not exceed 20% of full-time employment. Employment and funding are extended by the time spent on teaching.

The PhD student will work together with the main supervisor David Berger and the assistant supervisor, SciLifeLab researcher Dr Gabriela Montejo-Kovacevich, both active at IEG.

Qualification requirements: To meet the eligibility requirements for doctoral studies, you must:

have a master's degree (second cycle) in evolutionary biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or a related field, or have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or have acquired equivalent knowledge in other ways (e.g., extensive research experience).

Candidates who have not yet obtained their degree but are expected to meet the requirements by the start date may apply for the position.

The ideal candidate should also: Have a good understanding of central concepts in ecology and/or evolutionary biology/genetics. Have experience in programming. Be motivated and curious and thrive in a collaborative environment. Be able to take responsibility for carrying out and completing independent tasks and projects. Be able to express themselves well in both spoken and written English.

Merit: Experience of statistical analyses applied to quantitative genetic or population genomic data. Experience of working with bioinformatic pipelines on servers and clusters. Experimental work, such as experience with experimental evolution or work with genetic lines.

About the employment: The employment is a fixed-term position according to the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §7. Scope: full-time (100%), for four years. Start date: 2027; flexible by agreement. Location: Uppsala Universitet.

Rules for PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1–7 as well as by Uppsala universitet's rules and guidelines.

Instructions for application: The application shall include: 1) A personal letter where you describe yourself, your research interests, why you want to pursue a PhD, and why you are suitable for this specific position and project (max 2 pages), 2) CV, 3) A short description of your education, 4) Copy of master's degree and transcripts, as well as a copy of the master's thesis, 5) Names and contact details of at least two references (email and telephone number), 6) Any publications.

Information about the employment is provided by: Universitetslektor, David Berger, david.berger@ebc.uu.se

Welcome with your application by November 1, 2026. UFV-PA 2026/2654.

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on ”Ansök här” or visit Uppsala universitet's website: https://uu.se/jobb/

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The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, approval of the applicant is a prerequisite for employment. We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance. Applications are received in Uppsala universitet's recruitment system.

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