Researcher in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the project

A research position is available to work on a project examining the role of developmental bias for evolution. The project is led by Prof Tobias Uller and the researcher will work in the evolutionary ecology group at the Department of Biology, Lund University.

The consequences of genetic and environmental change for the phenotypic variation available for selection will depend on how those inputs are accommodated by development. This can lead to bias in the distribution of variants, which may direct evolutionary trajectories and facilitate or restrict adaptive divergence and convergence. There is, however, limited systematic study of how developmental bias influence adaptation and diversification.

This project will use meta-analytical approaches to address how wide spread developmental bias is, its phylogenetic distribution, and if the patterns of developmental bias are concordant with adaptive diversification. The research is primarily based on collection of data from the primary literature, but may also involve other sources, such as museum collections, and mathematical and statistical modelling. The position will provide the opportunity to explore evolutionary developmental biology and develop skills in meta-analysis, phylogenetic comparative methods, and evolutionary theory.

Evolutionary biology is studied in several of the research units at the Department of Biology, and the researcher will be integrated in a very active research environment. The project is one of 22 projects in a large international collaboration, managed by the host Principal Investigator and involving seven research institutions in Great Britain and the USA.

Required qualifications

Applicants should have completed a PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Animal or Plant Ecology, or a similar field. Candidates should have a keen interest in evolutionary theory and demonstrate an ability to be work both independently and in teams with other researchers, including co-supervising MSc students. Extensive experience and skills in statistics, using meta-analytical techniques, linear mixed modeling and phylogenetic comparative analysis are essential. Experience and skills in quantitative genetics and morphometrics and a strong background in research on phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation is highly desirable.

Fluent written and spoken English is essential with a strong record of publishing in internationally recognized scientific journals. The scientific aptitude and the ability to develop and carry out high-quality research within the subject area will be given special attention in the assessment of the candidate.

Salary will be set according to the general regulations for research positions at Lund University in relation to the number of years of postdoctoral research experience and achievements. Applicants should send a cover letter explaining their background, research interests and motivation for applying to this position, and a CV that includes publications and the contact information for two referees.

Additional Information

For more information and informal discussion about the position candidates can contact Tobias Uller (tobias.uller@biol.lu.se). For more information see:

http://ullergroup.se/

http://www.biology.lu.se/