A fully funded PhD fellowship on phylogenetics of tribe Cinchoneae (Rubiaceae) is available from 01-05-2012 or soon thereafter in the Botany group at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

The fellowship will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary 3-year research project entitled: ”The quest for Cinchona – a phylogenetic tale” co-financed by the Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen and the Carlsbergfoundation. The research project is international and includes several collaborators in Denmark, Sweden and Latin America.

Project area

The PhD student will be conducting extensive fieldwork with local collaborators in Latin America (e.g. Peru, Ecuador, Colombia) to collect material of Rubiaceae tribe Cinchoneae. The project will include DNA-sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of tribe Cinchoneae. The phylogeny of tribe Cinchoneae will be used to address various questions within the larger project exploring the quest for Cinchona such as diversification, correlation with plant defensive chemistry, biogeography of the Andes, population genetics, taxonomy etc. depending on the development of the project and the student’s background and interests.

Primary supervisor is Associate Professor Nina Rønsted, The Natural History Museum of Denmark. Co-supervisors are Alexandre Antonelli, Gothenburg Botanical Garden, and Claes Persson, Gothenburg University (Sweden).

The applicant must be prepared for extensive periods of fieldwork in Latin America (e.g. Peru, Ecuador, Colombia) and research exchange at Gothenburg Botanical Garden and Gothenburg University (Sweden) is envisioned.

Qualifications

a) MSc in biology or related area, preferably with a strong background in systematic botany.

b) Tropical field experience (botanical collection) is an advantage.

c) Experience with molecular techniques (DNA sequencing) and phylogenetic analysis is an advantage.

e) Ability to independently run research projects, in particular in the field away from day-to-day supervision.

f) Excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills are required.

g) Spanish speaking and reading is an advantage due to extensive fieldwork in Latin America.

Place of employment and principal place of work

Botanic Garden and Museum, Natural History Museum of Denmark, Sølvgade 83, Opg. S, DK-1307 Copenhagen.

Terms of employment

The successful PhD candidate will be offered a full-time Ph.D. position for a period of three years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in a Ph.D. degree and scientific publications. It is a prerequisite for the appointment as a Ph.D.-fellow, that the person concerned can be registered as a Ph.D. fellow according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 18 of 14. January 2008. Information about the Ph.D. programs at the Faculty of Science can be found at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The salary depends on seniority, as agreed between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations within the range of 23,000-30,000 DKK/month (approximately 3,100-4,000 Euro/month).

Further information can be obtained from Associate Professor Nina Rønsted (e-mail: nronsted@snm.ku.dk). General information on the botany group and the Natural History Museum of Denmark can be found at www.snm.ku.dk.

How to apply

Applications must include (i) a motivation for the application with statement of your research interests (0.5 A4 page), (ii) curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages), (iii) list of publications, (iv) a copy of MSc diploma and grade transcript, (v) a short abstract of the M.Sc. thesis or equivalent, and (vi) the names, e-mails, telephone numbers and addresses of 2-3 referees.

The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicant and match with the project. In addition, fulfillment of the above mentioned qualifications will be an advantage.

Applications should be sent electronically by using the link below.

Deadline for applications is 01-04-2012. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Apply online (Full link: https://ssl1.peoplexs.com/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/ApplicationForm.cfm?PortalID=3789&VacatureID=202806)

 Københavns Universitet er Danmarks ældste universitet, grundlagt 1479, og hører til blandt de største i Norden og de højest rangerende i Europa. Universitetet består af otte fakulteter, som omfatter biovidenskab, farmaceutisk videnskab, humaniora, jura, naturvidenskab, samfundsvidenskab, sundhedsvidenskab og teologi. www.ku.dk

Frist: 01-04-2012

Arbejdsgiver: Det Naturvidenskabelige Fakultet

Qualifications
You should hold a Master degree in Biology (or equivalent). Experience in molecular laboratory techniques, data analysis and a basic knowledge of lichen diversity would be advantageous. Proficiency in spoken and written English as well as good teamwork skills are essential. A current driving license is also a prerequisite.

Forms for funding or employment
Employment as PhD student 4 years

Further information: Professor Göran Thor, goran.thor@slu.se, tel. +46 (0)18 67 24 19. See also the home page of G. Thor at http://www.ekol.slu.se

PhD-student commissioner
Nina Almgren, 018-67 15 60, doktorandombudsmannen@sluss.nu

Applications, marked with ref no 355/2012, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, S- 750 07 Uppsala or registrator@slu.se no later than 2012-03-12.

Göran Thor