Ph.D. position in Biology at the Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland

Applications are invited for a three year PhD position at the Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, for the project: Population Biology and Conservation Genomics of the White-tailed Eagle in Iceland. The position is financed by a grant from the University of Iceland Research Fund (https://english.hi.is/research/the_ui_doctoral_grants_fund ). The project is supervised by Professor Snæbjörn Pálsson at the Faculty of Life- and Environmental Sciences in collaboration with Tom Gilbert, Professor at University of Copenhagen.

The White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) went through a severe bottleneck during the 19th  and 20th  century. In Iceland it was reduced from about 150 pairs to 20 pairs in 1915 and which lasted for more than 50 years, due to human persecutions and fox poisoning. Since 1970, the growth has been slow and the reproduction rate is lower in Iceland than in the neighboring countries in Europe. The  project continues from a previous PhD project which looked at genomic variation in the species, based on a unique collection of samples from current and historic whole genomic sequences from more than 150 individuals. As in the previous project the aim is to analyse the effect of small population size and inbreeding on genomic variation and evolution  with a special speciation on variation in sex chromosomes and individual genes associated with breeding and toxicology.  The study has implication for evolutionary and conservation biology and the conservation of the White-tailed eagle and related species.

• MSc degree in biology or related fields.
• Experience in bioinformatics, genomics and/or population genetics is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

The selected candidate must send a formal application for PhD studentship at the University of Iceland and the position is contingent on acceptance into the PhD program.

The PhD student position starts latest in the fall 2022. The salary for the position will be in accordance with the grant awarded from the University Research Fund.

Applications shall include i) a cover letter, ii) a CV (stating relevant work experience, preferred knowledge, publication list (if any)), iii) copies of university diplomas (BS and MS), course listings with grade information (in English), iv) a one-page statement of research interests, v) two reference letters and contact information for two referees.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be notified of the job placement once a decision has been made. Applications can be valid for up to six months from the end of the application deadline.

Appointments to positions at the University of Iceland are made in consideration of the Equal Rights Policy of the University of Iceland - https://english.hi.is/node/50017

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy - https://english.hi.is/node/24581/

The University of Iceland is a flourishing community of knowledge and is a very dynamic and interesting workplace. Our values are academic freedom, professionalism and equality. The University strives to provide flexibility and encourages participation in the development of the study programs and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 390 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, where currently about quarter of all employees and graduate students are international, and that number is increasing each year. The school has around 2000 students and numerous graduate students. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences is proud of its¿ diversity and reform-minded environment where knowledge acquisition and sharing is paramount.

Application deadline is 30.06.2022

Snæbjörn Pálsson

[email protected]