Ph.D. student in Marine Parasitology

2 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Iceland

Department

Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Iceland

Application Deadline

31 May 2024 - 23:59 (Atlantic/Reykjavik)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Applications are invited for a Ph.D. student position to work under the supervision of Dr Haseeb Randhawa and Dr Björn Schäffner at the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences at the School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland. The position is funded by the IRF project grant (Conservation of ancient relationships: Assessment of skates (Rajiformes: Rajidae) and their parasite fauna in Iceland).

Main tasks

The project aims to survey the status of parasitic organisms infecting skate hosts in marine ecoregions off Iceland to aid in the future implementation of conservation efforts of threatened host-parasite systems. Research goals will assess the entire diversity of parasites infecting this host group, assess the genetic diversity of skate species and parasite lineages, and evaluate the status of host-parasite systems based on IUCN Red List criteria to support their conservation through updated conservation agendas. This large-scale project benefits from the international cooperation between the Icelandic academic institution and the Natural History Museum, London, U.K. (NHM). It offers the research basis for one PhD project. The PhD project contributes to the unknown faunal component of marine parasites infecting skate hosts with an active engagement in the Icelandic marine biodiversity assessment.

Main tasks of the Ph.D. student will include (i) the assessment of parasite diversity using a combination of organismal-based and molecular-based studies; (ii) the evaluation of factors influencing the biogeographic distribution and dispersal of marine parasites in Icelandic ecoregions; (iii) the assessment of molecular data of both parasites and skate hosts via targeted sequencing (Sanger sequencing) and genome skimming via next generation sequencing (NGS); (iv) the application of 3D imaging of the neuromuscular system of exemplar parasite species using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH) in combination with confocal microscopy; and (v) the assessment of IUCN Red List criteria of threatened host-parasite systems. The Ph.D. student will further be responsible for producing high quality data in the field and laboratory and will lead or be involved in the preparation of international publications and presentations of research outcomes at domestic and international conferences. Molecular research components, including phylogenetic analysis and barcoding, and FISH technologies will be performed at the NHM, London for at least 12 months of the project duration under the supervision of Dr. Peter Olson (NHM). The selected Ph.D. student will be enrolled at HI and will conduct research both at HI and the NHM benefiting from world-class scientific infrastructure in Iceland and the United Kingdom with opportunities to spotlight the research and gain valuable experience in science communication. By conducting independent investigations in multidisciplinary research areas utilising facilities both in Iceland and the UK, the student will build a research profile, become experienced in publishing and project management, and gain experience in public engagement and student supervision. The doctoral student will be responsible for leading the main investigations under supervision to enhance and expand the professional career perspectives, highlighting transferrable strengths with lasting implications on future career prospects.

Requirements

Research Field

Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• M.Sc. degree in Parasitology, Ecology, Marine Biology or a related field.
• Independence and ability to work in a team.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.

The hiring is contingent on the candidate applying formally for the Ph.D. program at the University of Iceland at the corresponding department and that the application is approved by the faculty.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Additional comments

More information

Wages according to the current collective agreement by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the relevant trade union.

The starting date is negotiable but the ability to start soon is valued.

The application shall include, written in English: i) Cover letter stating their interest in this position, ii) CV, iii) Degree certificates and study transcripts (BS and MSc degree), iv) Names and contact information of two potential references.

All applications will be answered, and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Applications are valid in the system for 6 months after 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. http://www.hi.is/haskolinn/jafnrettisaaetlun#markmid2

The University of Iceland has a special Language Policy. https://www.hi.is/haskolinn/malstefna_haskola_islands

The University of Iceland is a growing 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 progression of studies and research in all fields within the realm of the University. The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences employs ca. 400 people involved with teaching and research. The School offers an international working environment, with the number of international employees and students increasing each year. Currently about a quarter of all employees and graduate students are international. 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 are paramount.

Job percentage: 100%

Application deadline until end of: 31.05.2024

More info provided by

Haseeb Randhawa , Dósent / Associate Professor - [email protected]  - +354 5254425
- -

Apply

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Iceland

Country

Iceland

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://radningarkerfi.orri.is/?s=37813

Contact

City

Reykjavík

Website

http://www.hi.is

Street

Sæmundargata 6

Postal Code

101

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED