Post-doctoral fellow in mosquito chemical ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

With anthropogenic warming, Europe will face new challenges from mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquito taxa, hitherto rare or unknown from our latitudes, are expected to spread north as temperatures become more favorable for these mostly subtropical disease vectors. Although efficient synthetic insect repellents are available, there is a growing customer demand for natural insect repellents. Although popular, many of these plant-based insect repellents have poor efficiency, and unknown mode of action. There is accordingly a need to find working natural repellents. In this project, we aim to decipher the mechanism by which commonly used plant-based repellents work. Specifically, we will identify aversive volatiles from a set of traditionally used plants with insect repellent properties and identify receptors and neuronal circuits involved in the repulsion. The project will involve use of genetically modified mosquitos (Aedes aegypti), functional imaging and behavioral studies.

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:

• Mosquito husbandry
• Behavioral experimentation
• Bioassay development
• Functional imaging
• Analytical chemistry

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
• Subject knowledge about mosquito biology and/or other vector insects
• Experience performing insect behavioral experiments
• Experience developing bioassays

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.