项目介绍

2026年6月19日

Would you like to conduct research on the evolution of sex chromosomes and sex ratio, supported by skilled and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer committed to sustainable working conditions and offering secure and advantageous terms of employment? You are welcome to apply for a PhD position at the Department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University!

The Department of Ecology and Genetics (IEG)is part of the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), a vibrant and internationally recognized hub for evolutionary and ecological research. At IEG, we work at all levels of biological organization (from molecules to ecosystems) and study systems (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc.). The Program for Plant Ecology and Evolution, where this position is located, is home to eight research group focusing on genomics, adaptation and speciation as well on community ecology. Researchers have access to excellent glasshouse and climate-controlled facilities, fully state-of-the-art molecular labs and a high-performance computing cluster (UPPMAX). The Department works closely with the national infrastructure facility SciLifeLab.

Our PhD students are part of the Biology PhD School that brings together students from multiple departments and organizes symposia, courses, newsletters, and science meetings for PhD students. We value collegial support and work actively to prepare our PhD students for a continued career in academia or elsewhere.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to develop a broad and modern skillset while contributing to new insights in evolutionary genomics.

Short project description
Sex chromosomes are fundamentally important in biology, but our understanding of their evolution is still limited. Genetic conflict situations such as sex ratio meiotic drive have long been implicated in the fast evolution of sex chromosomes and may thereby contribute divergence and speciation. This project investigates a plant genus, willows (Salix), with separate sexes, where female sex ratio bias is common and a high turnover of sex chromosomes has been described. The project has three main objectives: (1) Use simulation models to make inferences on the role of sex ratio selection on sex chromosome evolution in a different meiotic drive scenarios, (2) Experimentally test hypotheses on candidate mechanisms leading to female sex ratio bias (e.g., meiotic drive with restorers) using existing and new crosses. (3) Establish the genetic underpinnings of sex ratio bias, including previously detected structural variation on sex chromosomes, and analyze the evolutionary history of these regions within and across species. Overall, this project will provide novel insights on long-standing questions on sex chromosome evolution and on evolutionary processes at large.

Duties
In this PhD project, you will explore some of the most fascinating questions in evolutionary biology: how sex chromosomes evolve, and what shapes sex ratios in natural populations. You will work with cutting‑edge methods in population genomics, bioinformatics and modeling, alongside a bit of hands‑on experimental work in growth chambers and in the molecular laboratory.

As a doctoral student, you will also take part in a tailored selection of courses that support your scientific and academic development and teaching skills. Teaching opportunities are often available for those who are interested.

Qualifications required
Eligibility for admission to doctoral studies requires that the applicant:

• has completed a Master’s degree in biology with a specialization in evolutionary biology, population genetics, bioinformatics, or a related subject. You are also wlecome to appy if you expec to obtain your degree soon. Please explain this in your application.
• has completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at the advanced (Master’s) level, including an independent project of at least 15 credits, or
• has otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Eligible applicants must be able to demonstrate skills in advanced population genomics and general evolutionary biology. Applicant must further be able and interested to work in a team, as well as to work and contribute independently.

Eligible applicants must be able to express themselves very well inboth spoken and written English. In the evaluation of candidates, particular emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as independence, strong motivation, and good collaborative skills.

Qualifications desired 
Previous experience in population genomic modeling (e.g., using SLiM), analysis of structral variants from long‑read data, population genomic analysis of whole‑genome re-sequencing data are a merit — these techniques will be needed in the project. Research experience with sex ratios, sex chromosome evolution, structural variation, selfish genetic elements, meiotic drive or related topics is an advantage. At least a minor part of the PhD project will involve molecular labwork and growth chamber experiments with plants (willows). Experience with these tecniques is helpful but not essential; however, we do expect candidates to be interested to learn these practical skills. While the project has and initial plan with funding from the Swedish Research Council (see below), the different parts of the project will be revised and extended based on current developments and results. We expect the student to take an active role in project development.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %.Starting date 2026-09-01or during autumn 2026, as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position and project, please contact: 
Prof. Sophie Karrenberg, sophie.karrenberg@ebc.uu.se, , +46768207578

Applications instructions
In this recruitment, we have replaced the cover letter with questions that you are asked to answer when making your application. The answers will be used as a part of the selection process. We ask all candidates to upload a CV, diplomas, course transcripts and to enter the names and e-mail addresses of at least two references.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than July 22th 2026, UFV-PA 2026/2126.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University
https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/