PhD student in behavioural evolution

Linköpings universitet

  • Linköping, Östergötland
  • Permanent
  • Heltid
  • 8 dagar sedan
The Division of Biology at Linköping University invites applications for a four-year PhD to address outstanding questions on behavioural evolution in canids.Your work assignmentsUnderstanding how behaviours evolve is a long-standing goal in evolutionary biology. Using the domestic dog as a model species, the PhD student selected for this project will investigate unanswered questions on how complex behavioural phenotypes and social systems develop and evolve. Specifically, the project will focus on behavioural syndromes and social networks in dogs and to some extent wolves.The selected PhD student will work with large-scale behavioural data sets using a range of approaches, including heritability analyses and machine learning. Some data for the project already exist, but additional data will be collected from behavioural tests on privately owned pet dogs in Sweden and abroad (Europe). Travel and time spent abroad should therefore be expected during data collection periods.The project offers rich opportunities for networking and skillset development, as national and international collaborators with diverse backgrounds are involved in the project. Visits to collaborating institutions should be expected.As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.Your qualificationsYou have graduated at Master's level in biology or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses with a substantial part gained from courses in animal behaviour/behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology on advanced level. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.Assessment of following essential skills will be used in selecting among eligible candidates:
  • Quality of the master degree in a relevant area
  • Written and oral proficiency in English
  • Capacity for analytical thinking and quantitative analysis
  • Ability to work independently, to take initiative and be creative
  • Ability and willingness to work collaboratively in a team, including with people of different nationality, religion, gender and ethnicity
  • Demonstrated experience in planning, overseeing and conducting behavioural tests on animals
  • Demonstrated experience in behavioural coding
  • Demonstrated experience in R
  • Experience with traveling and spending time abroad
  • Ability and willingness to teach and participate in mentoring bachelor and master students
Desirable but not essential skills:
  • Canid experience
  • Demonstrated experience in handling large datasets
  • Experience with social network analyses
  • Experience using machine learning and AI tools for behavioral coding
Please upload the following for you application:
  • Cover letter written in English (max. 2 pages). The letter should briefly outline how your profile and experience match the advertised position and the skill sets required.
  • A CV outlining your education and work experience up until now, your publications (if any), field work experience, teaching and mentoring experience (if any), and skill sets relevant for the position (e.g. programming in R, BORIS and the like), etc.
  • Official transcripts from BSc and MSc degrees, including information on which courses you have taken.
  • 1-2 writing samples. These can be theses work, publications etc. If there are multiple authors on a writing sample you provide, please clarify how you contributed to the work.
  • The names and contact information of three references. Note that letters of recommendation can be uploaded with the application, but are not obligatory at this stage.
The assessment for interview shortlisting will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interview, writing skills, and the candidate's written motivation for seeking the position.Your workplaceThe PhD student will work at The Division of Biology at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Christina Hansen Wheat (main supervisor) and Professor Per Jensen (co-supervisor). The Division of Biology carries out research, undergraduate and postgraduate education within the field of biology, with multiple subfields represented, including animal behaviour, evolution, ecology, genetics, zoology, conservation, microbiology and animal welfare. See:The employmentWhen taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available atThe employment has a duration of normally four years' full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.Starting date by agreement.Salary and employment benefitsThe salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is availableUnion representativesInformation about union representatives, see .Application procedureApply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 24th of September 2025.Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: .We look forward to receiving your application!Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.KontaktpersonerChristina Hansen WheatAssistant ProfessorLänk till den här sidan
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Linköpings universitet