Postdoctoral fellow in landscape ecotoxicology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Project description
The Department of Biology is seeking a postdoctoral fellow in landscape ecotoxicology, with a focus on bumble bees and other bees. The researcher will work in the project “Exposure and Effects of Chemical Mixtures on Bees (MixToxBee) - Supporting Pesticide Monitoring and Bee Risk Assessment”. The project aims to quantify bees’ exposure to pesticide mixtures and evaluate effects on individual bees and bee populations, using experiments and modelling. The outcome is relevant for monitoring pesticide residues in terrestrial environments, which is currently lacking, and ecological risk assessment of chemical mixtures for bees. Pesticide exposure is estimated by quantifying residues in pollen and nectar collected by several bee species and extending bee foraging models to include pesticide use. This data is used to select environmentally relevant mixtures of pesticides for lab and landscape experiments in combination with individual-based modelling on bee individuals, colonies, populations and pollination services.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to take responsibility for coordinating and executing lab and field work, set up study systems, communicating with farmers, beekeepers and authorities, use available data to parametrize individual based bumble bee models and lead analysis and writing scientific publications. The work also includes communication with field assistants and there will be possibility to supervise MSc or BSc students.

The postdoctoral fellow is also expected to participate in the research groups Landscape Ecotoxicology and Biodiversity and Conservation Science.

The employment is under a fixed contract for two years.

Qualification requirements
We are searching for a PhD in ecology, ecotoxicology, physical geography, environmental science, agricultural science or similar with a strong background in research on environmental consequences of pesticide use and land use change. Experience of conducting ecotoxicological studies in lab and field, landscape ecological studies, work with geographical information systems or individual-based models, as well as excellent skills in written and verbal communication in English and a driver’s license are requirements for the position. Documented previous experiences of using the NetLogo modelling environment and studies of pollinators is meriting. The person is also expected to be organized and be able to communicate with farmers, beekeepers and students.

Appointment to apost-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. The main criteria for evaluation of candidates is scientific skills and the potential to contribute to the research project.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject. For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand tocontribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008.

Instructions on how to apply
The application should include a CV with publication list, a copy of your PhD exam certificate, a personal cover letter including why you are interested in this position and how you can contribute to the research (max one A4 page) and names and contact details of two reference persons (former employers/supervisors).