Dispersal barriers in an invasive bloom-forming alga
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.
For further information please contact:
Karin Rengefors, Professor
+46 46 2228427
karin.rengefors@limnol.lu.se
Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 18 months, after that doctoral
employment
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
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.
Application Procedure
Last Day of Applying
2011-02-06
Please apply on-line on:
http://admin.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=22598&Dnr=375341&Type=E
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 in Limnology
Director of the Graduate School in Genomic Ecology (GENECO)
Limnology, Biology Department
Lund University
Ecology Building
22362 Lund, Sweden
e-mail: karin.rengefors@limnol.lu.se
phone: + 46462228427
URL: http://www.limnol.lu.se/
New! International Society for the Study of Harmful Algae (ISSHA)
http://www.issha.org