Job announcement
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholm University and Swedish Museum of Natural History,

application deadline: February 15, 2010
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.zoologi.su.se/en/

Ref nr 2/10KAJ

Project title:
Taxonomy of Scandinavian Ceratopogonidae (biting midges), with phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses of the subfamilies and selected tribes and genera.

Background:
The biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) form a group of minute insects with mainly aquatic immature stages and commonly ectoparasitic adult stage. About 6,000 species have been described globally, but less than 200 species are known from Scandinavia. The ceratopogoniods are particularly poorly known in Sweden, and with financial support from the Swedish Species Initiative (Svenska Artprojektet) this project aims at describing the Swedish and also the Scandinavian fauna of biting midges. In addition, the project will test molecular barcode sequences for associating larvae, pupae and adults; testing the monophyly of the four identified subfamilies by using molecular and morphological data; and testing the monophyly of the subfamily Ceratopogoninae and the six tribes therein. Comprehensive taxonomic work will include microscope slide preparation, production of line drawings of larvae and adults using light microscope; digital photography; describing species new to science; and re-describing previously but inadequately described species. The PhD education will provide an excellent opportunity to gain skills in Ceratopogonidae taxonomy, and expertise in a wide range of analytical techniques by attending various courses and by visiting experts Worldwide. The working language will be English and Swedish.

Qualifications: To be qualified for research studies in systematic zoology the applicant needs to have passed in at least 120 hp of biology studies, including an approved independent project in systematic zoology of at least 30hp at advanced level. Applicants who have in principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden or abroad are also qualified.

Criteria for selection: Among qualified applicants, selection is made according to ability to profit from the studies. The criteria to be used are the applicant's documented knowledge in subjects of relevance for the research area, ability to master language (including both spoken and written English), analytical ability, creativity, initiative, independence, and ability to cooperate. The basis for judgement of how well the applicant fulfils these criteria is: the relevance of earlier studies for the research area, grades on courses at the university level, the quality of the independent project, references, relevant practical experience, interviews and the applicant's letter of intent.

To be included in the application: Maximum one A4-page of personal presentation and your reasons for applying (letter of intent). Curriculum vitae. Copy of independent project report and publications. Documentation of other activities of relevance. Copy of degree certificates, or LADOK-excerpt. Terms of employment: The research education comprises 48 months at full time. The position is financed by a fellowship ("utbildningsbidrag") for the first years, and then continues with PhD-employment until the end of the PhD-program.

Information: Kjell Arne Johanson, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Entomology Department. Telephone: 08 5195 4008. E-mail: kjell.arne.johanson@nrm.se

Union representatives: Bo Ekengren, SACO, Lisbeth Häggberg, ST and Gunnar Stenberg, SEKO. You are welcome with your application with the specified ref.nr no later than February 15, 2010 to: Stockholms universitet Prefekten Zoologiska institutionen 106 91 Stockholm Sweden