PhD student in Ecology: Host plant specialisation in Tropical butterflies

4 days ago

Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time
Department of Ecology
The Department of Ecology at SLU is a major centre of ecological research in Scandinavia. We combine research in basic ecology with applied research in nature conservation, wildlife management, forestry and crop protection.

The Evolving Networks Lab is part of the Insect Ecology unit

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Project about host plant repertoire of Tropical butterfly caterpillars
Description:
A PhD position is available in Mariana Braga's group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Evolving Networks lab centers around understanding how species interactions change over time and space, with a focus on caterpillar-plant interactions and development of phylogenetic methods. The EvonetsLab is supported by a Starting Grant from the European Research Council and a DDLS Fellowship from the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg Swedish program for data-driven life science.

The aim of this PhD position is to develop a novel phylogenetic approach to predict unknown species interactions. For that, the student will compile all available data on host use for Nymphalinae butterflies, apply recent methods to predict interactions, and test these predictions by rearing caterpillars of various butterfly species on the predicted host plants. The project will result in a pipeline for faster collection of interaction data and the generation of valuable new data on tropical species.

The PhD position is fully funded by an ERC Starting Grant (project SPECTRO: Causes and consequences of higher host specialisation in the tropics – the role of ecological and evolutionary processes, and of data bias), and the successful applicant will work in the Evonets lab (evonetslab.github.io)

The successful candidate will be based in Uppsala but expected to spend extended periods in Brazil for field and lab work over four years.

Fluency in English is essential as it is the team's common language. The candidate should be proactive, independent, solution-oriented, and adaptable in solving technical problems. Strong collaborative skills, excellent communication, goodwill, and reliability are required, as the role involves close teamwork.

Qualifications:
We are seeking a motivated candidate for research in evolutionary ecology and biodiversity, who is a team player with initiative, creativity, persistence, and independent thinking to drive a research project. The candidate should have:

• A Master's degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, or other relevant, closely related field

• Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written

• Ability to work in the field and in the lab (rearing of caterpillars)

Knowledge or experience in the following is a plus:

• Phylogenetics, bioinformatics

• Lepidoptera and plant ecology

• Statistics and programming (e.g. in R)

The application should consist of the following (all files in PDF-format):

• Curriculum vitae including publication list,

• Master [alternatively, the expected graduation date of Master degree] and Bachelor diplomas (in a single PDF file),

• Master and Bachelor grades' transcripts (in a single PDF file),

• A description of previous research experiences with a letter of motivation stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max 1 A4 page),

• The names of at least two reference persons (provide names and contact details) who can provide information on your research experience.

Place of work:
Uppsala.

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment 4 years.

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
Click the "Apply" button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-04-30.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master's) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: [...]/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport's information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
[...]/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

  • PhD student in Ecology: Host plant specialisation in Tropical butterflies

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyThe Department of Ecology at SLU is a major centre of ecological research in Scandinavia. We combine research in basic ecology with applied research in nature conservation, wildlife management, forestry and crop protection. The Evolving Networks Lab is part of the Insect Ecology unitRead more about our benefits and what it is like to...

  • PhD Position in Host Plant Specialisation

    4 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Job Summary">Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet invites applications for a PhD student position in ecology, focusing on host plant specialisation in tropical butterflies. The project involves developing novel phylogenetic methods for predicting species interactions and rearing caterpillars of various butterfly species on predicted host plants.Key...

  • Ecological Researcher in Tropical Lepidoptera

    4 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Company Overview">Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet is a leading institution in agricultural and environmental sciences. Our research focuses on sustainable development, animal and ecosystem interactions, and responsible resource use.Job Description">PhD Student in Ecology: Host Plant Specialisation in Tropical ButterfliesThe Evolving Networks Lab at SLU's...

  • Ecology Researcher

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join our team at the Department of Ecology. The successful candidate will be working on a project focused on understanding host plant specialisation in tropical butterflies.The PhD student will have the opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team and contribute to the development of new...

  • PhD Position in Tropical Ecology

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Job ResponsibilitiesThe PhD student will be responsible for:Compiling data on host use for Nymphalinae butterfliesApplying recent phylogenetic methods to predict interactionsTesting these predictions through rearing caterpillars of various butterfly species on predicted host plantsThe successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the...

  • Host Plant Specialist

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Research OverviewThis PhD position is part of a larger project that aims to understand the causes and consequences of higher host specialisation in the tropics. The project will result in a pipeline for faster collection of interaction data and the generation of valuable new data on tropical species.The successful candidate will be based in Uppsala but...

  • PhD student in plant developmental biology

    3 weeks ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of Plant BiologyThe Department of Plant Biology offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up the 'Uppsala BioCenter'. The department undertakes fundamental research on model organisms, agricultural crops, forest trees and bioenergy crops. Our main areas of research comprise the...

  • Phylogenetic Methods Researcher

    6 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly motivated and independent yet collaborative postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the Department of Ecology, Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU). The successful candidate will be working on developing and implementing tools for analysis of output from Bayesian inference under phylogenetic models.The research...

  • Professor of Microbial Ecology

    4 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Professor of Microbial EcologyAbout the JobSveriges lantbruksuniversitet invites applications for a Professor of Microbial Ecology position in the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment.The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and leading research projects in microbial ecology, aquatic systems, and limnic systems.The position is...

  • Postdoctoral researcher in phylogenetic methods

    6 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyWe are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop and implement tools for analysis of output from Bayesian inference under phylogenetic modelsAbout the positionA postdoctoral researcher position is available in Mariana Braga's group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the...

  • Postdoctoral researcher in phylogenetic methods

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyWe are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop and implement tools for analysis of output from Bayesian inference under phylogenetic modelsAbout the positionA postdoctoral researcher position is available in Mariana Braga's group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the...

  • Researcher in phylogenetic methods

    6 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyWe are looking for a researcher to develop and implement tools for analysis of output from Bayesian inference under phylogenetic models. About the positionA researcher position is available in Mariana Braga's group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Evolving Networks lab...

  • Researcher in phylogenetic methods

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyWe are looking for a researcher to develop and implement tools for analysis of output from Bayesian inference under phylogenetic models. About the positionA researcher position is available in Mariana Braga's group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Evolving Networks lab...

  • Postdoc – modelling plant-environment interactions in agrivoltaics

    6 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyWe are searching for a motivated postdoc interested in investigating how soil-plant-atmosphere interactions are affected by agrivoltaics, i.e., the combination of crop production and solar panels. The postdoc will develop mathematical models based on biophysical processes, in combination with available data. The postdoc will also...

  • Postdoc – modelling plant-environment interactions in agrivoltaics

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of EcologyWe are searching for a motivated postdoc interested in investigating how soil-plant-atmosphere interactions are affected by agrivoltaics, i.e., the combination of crop production and solar panels. The postdoc will develop mathematical models based on biophysical processes, in combination with available data. The postdoc will also...

  • Expert in Bayesian Phylogenetic Analysis

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Phylogenetic Research Expert WantedWe are seeking an experienced researcher to join our team at Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet as an Expert in Bayesian Phylogenetic Analysis. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for driving research and development of tools for analysis of output from Bayesian inference under phylogenetic models. Your...

  • Senior lecturer/Associate professor in microbial ecology of limnic systems

    4 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor in Microbial Ecology of Limnic SystemsJob DescriptionThe Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences at the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment covers functional microbial ecology, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, geochemical and hydrological processes, as well as aquatic environmental chemistry and...

  • PhD student in the research education subject: Food Science

    6 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of Molecular SciencesThe PhD position is located at the department of Molecular Sciences at SLU within the recently established centre on Plant-based Protein for Health and Wellbeing - PAN Sweden, [...]/.The Department of Molecular Sciences at SLU, where the employment is located, currently consists of approximately 100 employees and provides a...

  • PhD student in the research education subject: Food Science

    3 days ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet Full time

    Department of Molecular SciencesThe PhD position is located at the department of Molecular Sciences at SLU within the recently established centre on Plant-based Protein for Health and Wellbeing - PAN Sweden, https://www.oru.se/english/strategic-initiatives/food-and-health/pan-sweden/.The Department of Molecular Sciences at SLU, where the employment is...

  • Senior Lecturer in Microbial Ecology

    7 hours ago

    Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden SLU Full time

    Job DescriptionThe successful candidate will be responsible for developing and leading internationally successful research, as well as teaching at first, second and third cycle level.The candidate should have a PhD in the subject area and research expertise in microbial ecology, bioinformatics and molecular biological analyses.The position requires excellent...