Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme. The position is available from August 2025 or later.
Title:
Population genetics and ecological dynamics in butterflies
Research area and project description:
We advertise 1 PhD project in population genomics of butterflies. Butterflyies are highly sensitive indicators of environmental change, making them ideal models for studying the effects of habitat fragmentation, climate change, and land-use modifications on genetic connectivity and diversity. As landscapes undergo rapid ecological transformations, butterfly populations face increasing challenges in maintaining genetic exchange, which is crucial for their adaptability and long-term survival. Reduced genetic connectivity can lead to inbreeding, loss of genetic diversity, and ultimately, local extinctions.
This project aims to explore how changing ecological dynamics influence genetic connectivity and diversity in butterfly populations and to develop predictive models that can inform conservation strategies. The following questions will be addressed using Danish butterfly populations:
- Examining the genetic connectivity and diversity in butterfly populations
- Assessing the impact of changing ecological dynamics on connectivity and diversity in butterfly populations
- Developing predictive models of future genetic diversity under different environmental scenarios to inform conservation programs.
There will be opportunity to influence the research programme, with analyses based on already available whole-genome sequencing data on population genomic variation as well as spatial and temporal data on land use, for example to address hypotheses about adaptation and plasticity of dispersal ability in butterflies.
The successful applicant will participate in a project lodged within the work of the Centre for Ecological Genetics (https://bio.au.dk/forskning/forskningscentre/centre-for-ecological-genetics). The Centre, led by Prof. Trine Bilde, investigates population genomics across fragmented landscapes and the potential consequences for their functional performance; and also investigates changes in genetic diversity and land use over historical time using time series samples of museum specimens. The Centre provides an active and diverse international group of researchers and students with groups in Aberdeen, Helsinki and Aarhus. The position is based in Aarhus, with the possibility to undertake an international research stay with Prof. Marjo Saastamoinen at the University of Helsinki (http://www.helsinki.fi/life-history-evolution) to perform butterfly research. The work will be performed under the supervision of Prof. Trine Bilde and Dr. Jesper Bechsgaard (AU).
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
The candidate should have a strong interest in evolutionary genetics, conservation genetics, and genomics and hold a relevant MSc or BSc degree. Experience with bioinformatics and/or genetic data analysis is advantageous, along with the ability to communicate scientific work. Experience with insect or arthropod ecology or genetics would be relevant.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Biology, Section for Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Ny Munkegade 114-116, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Trine Bilde, trine.bilde@bio.au.dk
Dr. Jesper Bechsgaard, jesper.bechsgaard@bio.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2025)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
