Doctoral Student in Biology

University of Gothenburg

Institution: University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Department: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv)
Type: Full-time, Temporary Position (up to 5 years including duties)
Start Date: 1 April 2026 (or by agreement)
Application Deadline: 27 January 2026
Reference Number: PAR 2025/966

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About the Position

A fully funded PhD position is available to study the evolution of female ornamentation in pipefish from a life-history perspective. The project aims to explore trade-offs between survival and reproduction and examine costs and benefits of ornamentation at different life stages.

Research methods will include:

• Mathematical modeling
• Behavioral experiments in aquarium settings
• Data analysis and manuscript writing
• Electron and light microscopy
• Fieldwork at Kristineberg Marine Research Station (6–10 weeks per year)

Work Duties

• Conduct independent PhD research under supervision.
• Develop methodological, analytical, and theoretical skills.
• Participate in departmental duties (up to 20%), including teaching and administrative tasks.
• Collaborate with local and international researchers in evolutionary and behavioural ecology.

Requirements

General Eligibility:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant natural sciences subject.
• Fulfillment of course requirements totaling at least 240 higher education credits, including 60 at second-cycle level.
• Good oral and written English proficiency.

Specific Eligibility:

• MSc in Biology with advanced courses in evolutionary ecology and/or behavioural ecology.
• At least 15 ECTS in statistics.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience in experimental design, fieldwork, behavioural studies of animals.
• Bachelor/Master-level project in sexual selection.
• Cooperation skills and teamwork.

Beneficial Qualifications:

• Experience with fish behaviour, mathematical modeling, R statistics, microscopy, reflectance spectrophotometry, and fish physiology.
• Laboratory animal science education, driving license, or experience operating boats.

Terms of Employment

• Full-time doctoral student (100% FTE) for 4 years of studies.
• Maximum employment period as doctoral student: 8 years (equivalent to 4 years full-time studies).
• Salary set individually according to University rules.

Application Instructions

Applications should be in English and include:

1. Cover letter describing suitability for the position and research alignment
2. CV
3. Degree certificates and transcripts
4. Master thesis (or equivalent)
5. Employment certificates and other relevant documents

Apply via the University of Gothenburg recruitment portal.

Contact Information:

• Charlotta (Lotta) Kvarnemo, Professor
  Email: lotta.kvarnemo@bioenv.gu.se | Phone: +46-76-618 2632 / +46-70-4863832
  Webpage: Kvarnemo Lab
• Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department
  Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se | Phone: +46 31 786 26 25
• HR Contact: hr@bioenv.gu.se