We are looking for a motivated Ph.D. student for a project investigating free-living populations of the bladder wrack, Fucus vesiculosus. The main aim of the project is to resolve whether the freeliving populations found on soft bottoms are the result of a continuous supply from nearby attached populations, or whether they sustain themselves by sexual and/or asexual reproduction. Parts of the field sampling and laboratory work within the project have already been carried out with preliminary data.
About FunkVeg
The project The relative importance of shallow vegetation for ecosystem functions in the coastal zone (FunkVeg) started in 2016 within the Baltic Bridge collaboration program between Stockholm University and the University of Helsinki, and involves a number of researchers from both universities. The laboratory work (DNA-microsatellites) will be carried out at the Molecular Ecology and Systematics Laboratory in Viikki, Helsinki. There will be a possibility for fieldwork in Sweden and other Baltic countries, however, most of the fieldwork will be done at Tvärminne Zoological Station, Finland.
Scuba-diving is not a prerequisite, and no previous experience with microsatellites is required for this position. However, basic laboratory skills and a background in aquatic sciences and/or molecular ecology are a plus. Good English communication skills (both written and oral) are expected.
Funding for the Ph.D. work will be applied by the applicant, with the help of the research group, from private foundations, e.g. from Walter and Andree de Nottbeck Foundation. The work will start Jan. 2018 and finish by the end of 2021 and the host institution will be the University of Helsinki.
Application
Please send your application with a short motivation letter, CV and the names of two references by August 4th 2017 to Jaanika Blomster. For further information please contact Jaanika Blomster or Ellen Schagerström, Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden.
More about FunkVeg
