Opportunity for a Ph.D. study in Evolutionary Ecology of
Arctic charr in Iceland
Hólar University College (Prof. Bjarni K. Kristjánsson and Prof. Skúli Skúlason), seeks a Ph.D.
student to study Evolutionary Ecology of small benthic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in
Iceland.
Measuring and understanding biological diversity is a key factor in how humans interact with
wild nature. This is especially true now as this interaction has resulted in great changes in nature.
This is especially obvious for freshwater where knowledge of global diversity of fishes is limited.
Studies have shown that diversity within species of Icelandic freshwater fish is considerable,
especially among populations and morphs adapted to specific habitats and food. The evolution of
this diversity is first and foremost because of diverse and rich freshwater systems, e.g. because of
volcanism, tectonic drift and low competition among species. Thus, Iceland offers unique
opportunities to study the ecological factors that promote populations change,formation of
intraspecific morphs and even new species.
The project focuses on the relationship between ecological factors in the environment and
the evolution of diversity in behaviour, growth and morphology of local small benthic charr in
Icelandic freshwater systems. Studies have shown that in Iceland there are numerous populations
of small benthic charr that have evolved independently in isolated freshwater systems. These
systems are commonly cold water springs within the volcanic active zone. The parallel evolution
of the small benthic charr populations gives us unique opportunities to study the first steps in the
evolution of diversity and speciation. This knowledge is important for the interpretation of the
importance of freshwater fish biodiversity in Icelandic rivers and lakes. This is a key to sensitive
managing and use of these systems. In 2012, we started a three year project on dwarf charr in lava
caves around Mývatn, funded by the Icelandic Centre for Research, Rannís. The present study we
will add to that project focusing on two distinct freshwater systems, with a number of small
benthic charr populations. In the project, population sizes will be estimated, and the relationship
between ecological variables and growth, behaviour and morphology will be studied. We will
estimate how these factors change temporally, within and among years, to estimate natural
selection. Furthermore, genetic relatedness within and among populations will be estimated.
The position is funded by Orkurannsóknarsjóður and will be filled as soon as a good candidate is
found (target date 1. May 2013).
The student will be located at Hólar University College and registered at University of Iceland.
The Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology, Hólar University College, is situated in
Skagafjördur, North Iceland, and is an international centre for research, instruction, and
continuing education in aquatic biology, aquaculture, and fish biology. The working language is
English.
Applicant should send an application letter with a statement of research interests and relevant
experience, curriculum vitae with a list of publications (if any), copies of academic qualifications
and the names and e-mail addresses of three referees, as a singe pdf file to Bjarni K. Kristjánsson
(bjakk@holar.is) before March 31 2013.
Dr. Bjarni K. Kristjánsson, Professor
Holar University College
Háeyri 1
550 Sauðárkrókur
Iceland