Uppsala University hereby declares the following positions to be open for application:

PhD position in Historical geology and palaeontologi

at the Department of Earth Sciences (Palaeobiology programme). Starting date; as soon as possible

Project description: The developmental biology of the priapulid worm Priapulus caudatus
We seek a highly motivated individual, with a strong interest in comparative and evolutionary development at both the morphological and molecular level, to work on the development of the priapulid worm Priapulus caudatus. The project is embedded within a broader consortium based on the soon-to-be completed priapulid genome.

Project description: The priapulids are a small but evolutionarily significant group of marine worms that are related to both of the important model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans: in addition, stem-group priapulids were dominant components of the early marine ecosystems of the Cambrian. Because of their important phylogenetic position close to the base of the Ecdysozoa (arthropods plus cycloneuralians), these poorly-studied organisms have been selected for genome sequencing, which is expected to be completed shortly. However, many aspects of their basic developmental biology are unknown. The successful candidate will continue to characterise the molecular and morphological development biology of the priapulids, building on previous work in our group. The work will include a newly-established in situ hybridization protocol as well as a variety of histological and staining techniques. The project will be jointly supervised by Prof. Graham E. Budd and Dr. Ralf Janssen in Uppsala and Dr. A. Hejnol in the Sars Institute, Bergen, Norway.

Qualifications: The applicant should have a university degree with a background in developmental biology and organismal evolutionary biology, preferably with an interest in broader palaeobiological and/or evolutionary topics. Applicants with skills in microscopy, molecular developmental techniques, image analysis and embryo culture and collection are especially welcomed. The applicant is expected to have a good knowledge (spoken and written) of the English language.
The holder of a PhD-student position shall primarily devote her/his time to their own research and study. Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative duties can be part of the position up to 20% of a full-time position.
The Ph.D. position is for four years where financing for the first year will be a postgraduate study grant (utbildningsbidrag) and during the following three years as an employee of the university as a Ph.D student (doktorandtjänst).

The rules governing this process can be found in Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen) 5 kap 1-7 §§.

Local guidelines at Uppsala University determine the salary.

The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies. Priority is given to those who are deemed to show the greatest aptitude for a successful completion of the graduate studies. Uppsala University is strongly committed to the equal opportunity policy and women are especially invited to apply.

The application shall consist of a CV, copies of exams and list of courses including the grades obtained, a copy of the Master thesis (or a draft thereof), as well as the names of two persons that can be used as referees.

More information can be obtained from Prof. Graham E. Budd, phone + 46 18 471 2762, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .Union representatives are Anders Grundström, Saco-rådet, phone. +46-18-4715380; Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone. +46-18-4711996, Stefan Djurström, Seko, phone. +46-18-4713315.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 1 March, 2012, UFV-PA 2012/229.
Use the link below to access the application form.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 1 March 2012

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