PhD Research Fellowship in ancient DNA and marine biology - Fully Funded EU Marie Sklodowska-Curie
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position starting in October 2019 as part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network "SEACHANGES: Thresholds in Human Exploitation of Marine Vertebrates" available at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo.
SEACHANGES provides state-of-the-art training to forge a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers able to operate at the interface of archaeology and marine biology by joining experts from 7 leading institutions in archaeology, zoology, marine ecology & conservation biology. We will pool our disparate skills and experience in an integrated training programme for PhDs candidates to gain the interdisciplinary understanding & skills required fully to realise the potential of archaeological remains to understand past marine resource use, assess past impacts, and use these to inform the present.
Candidates with backgrounds in biology, genomics or archaeology are all encouraged to apply; each studentship will be developed with the successful applicant.
SEACHANGES ESR 1: Using ancient DNA to discover the legacy of historic Atlantic cod exploitation
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) is of profound economic and cultural value for communities around the North Atlantic Ocean. The history of exploitation for this species dates back millennia, which has made it difficult to quantify the extent of human impact since prehistory. For example, intensive harvest over the last century has been associated with phenotypic changes consistent with fisheries induced evolution (FIE), but it is unclear if analogous changes occurred in preceding periods. To address such questions, the long-term perspective that can be obtained through the comparative analysis of ancient and modern material is essential. ESR 1 will study demographic and evolutionary patterns through the analysis of DNA preserved in Atlantic cod bones from archaeological sites of up to 9000 years BP to now using state-of-the-art genomic tools and zooarchaeology. The candidate will be trained to obtain and analyze genome-wide data from archaeological cod samples, selected from dozens of locations, across northern and western Europe with an aim to: (a) reconstruct long-term patterns of demography and selection in Atlantic cod populations; (b) resolve historic trade routes and (c) investigate associations between expanding fisheries, cod population declines or collapse, and anthropogenic selection. The candidate will also obtain experience in zooarchaeology through a secondment at Cambridge University with Dr. JH Barrett.
Qualification requirements
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition of being a leading research faculty. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.
- applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent, or must have submitted his/her master's thesis for assessment prior to the application deadline, within evolutionary biology, genomics, population genetics; molecular ecology, archaeology or a similar subject. It is a condition of employment that the master's degree has been awarded.
- foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
- experience with DNA laboratory methods, high-throughput sequencing, population genetics and bioinformatics are considered an advantage
Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:
- the average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- the Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
- Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
In addition, the applicant must fulfil the Marie Sklodowska-Curie eligibility requirements below:
- The applicant must be in the first four years of their research careers, counting from the date at which they have been awarded a degree that allows them to embark on a PhD, and the applicant should not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree.
- The applicant must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the start date (short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account).
The successful candidate will participate in a Marie Curie international training network and will work in a highly interactive international environment with other Marie-Curie PhD students, researchers, authorities, NGOs and industry.
The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.
The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.
We offer
- an exciting Europe-wide network of fellow SEACHANGES PhD students, postdocs, and their supervisors with whom you will collaborate during courses, summer schools, and other training activities.
- salary NOK 449 400 – 505 800 per annum depending on qualifications in a position as PhD Research fellow (position code 1017)
- vibrant international academic environment
- attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/169314/phd-research-fellowship-in-ancient-dna-and-marine-biology-fully-funded-eu-marie-sklodowska-curie