Postdoctoral fellow in bark beetle chemical ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Bark beetles are associated with symbiotic fungi, which aid the beetles when infesting host trees. The fungi associated with Ips typographus vary geographically, which is thought to be partly due to differences in temperature and climate. In addition, I. typographus shows olfactory preferences for certain fungi, which may vary geographically. Since the geographic distribution of fungi relates to climatic conditions, we hypothesize that climate change is likely to affect the evolution of the beetle-fungus relationship differently depending on climate zone. We will investigate whether the olfactory preferences of I. typographus from populations across Europe are correlated to geographic variation in fungal communities. By studying existing variation, we aim to predict how the preferences might change in light of a changing climate, and investigate whether preferences remain in the presence of increased ozone, NOx, and CO2. Part of the project will be done in cooperation with the Gershenzon lab at MPI-CE, Jena.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research within the Max Planck Centre for Next Generation Insect Chemical Ecology (nGICE), a high level cooperation between Lund University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and The Max Planck Society. The succesful candidate will work within the nGICE Max Planck center, and is expected to collaborate with colleagues at the partner institutes. Work duties include:

• Bark beetle field work and laboratory bioassays
• Single-sensillum electrophysiology
• Molecular biology and cell assays
• Volatile analysis
• Isolation and culturing of bark beetle-associated fungi

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Experience with single-sensillum electrophysiology
• Experience with analytical chemistry
• Experience with bark beetle rearing, fieldwork, and behavioral assays
• Experience with isolation, identification and culturing of bark beetle-associated fungi
• Basic experience working with molecular biology and heterlogous expression systems

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 area. 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 nGICE center, and how they stand to contribute to the center’s future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. 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
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered