PhD Fellowship @ University of Helsinki

PhD Fellowship - University of Helsinki - Population and Conservation Genetics:

The Ecological Genetics Research Unit (EGRU)
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
University of Helsinki
Finland

Invites applications for Doctoral Student Position in the field of population and conservation genetics of the amphibians of the Western Ghats (India).

The assignment will begin on the early 2009 (start date is flexible) and end in the end of 2011. EGRU is part of the Finnish Centre of Excellence in Evolutionary Genetics and Physiology (www.coe.fi).

The thesis will focus on the genetic relationships and diversity among and between different populations and species of frogs in endemic genus Indirana in different parts of Ghats, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. The planned work includes development of genetic resources for frogs as well as investigations in genetic variability and differentiation at both intra- and intraspecific levels using mainly microsatellite and DNA-sequence data.

A successful candidate for this position is interested on conservation and population genetics problems, and/or problems in ecological/evolutionary genetics in general. A background in population genetics/genomics and/or evolutionary biology is desirable.

Experience and inclination on practical molecular genetic work with microsatellites/SNPs and/or gene sequences is considered essential.

We are looking for an individual with a Masters Degree or equivalent, who is highly self-motivated and can work both independently and in a team. The working language will be English. Proven skills in English are required for admission to post graduate study program (minimum 550 points form TOFEL PBT, or grade A, B or C from CAE/CPE). The thesis work will be supervised by Prof. Juha Merilä(Helsinki) in collaboration with Dr. Sanil George (Kerala).

An overview of EGRU's past and current research can be found at http://www.helsinki.fi/biosci/egru and http://www.coe.fi/

More information about PhD-studies and requirements at the University of Helsinki can be found from: http://www.helsinki.fi/biosci/luova/education/PhD_info.htm

The salary will be based on level 2 of the demands level chart for teaching and research personnel in the salary system of Finnish universities on personal work performance. Typical salary level for PhD student is approximately 1900 EUR per month.

The application should include a complete

• CV
• Publication list (if available)
• A scanned academic transcript (list of grades in university courses)
• A statement of research interests and motivation for applying this position not exceeding two pages
• Two references

Applications should be addressed to the Faculty of Biosciences and send to Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Academy Professor Juha Merilä, P. O. Box 65 (Viikinkaari 1), FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, to arrive no later than 15th October 2008, by 3:45 p.m. (local Helsinki time).

The selected candidate must produce the proof for English Language proficiency before joining.

Visit http://rgcb.res.in/jobs.html for full details. Adv. # 20 / 2008.