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

We are seeking a PhD student to undertake research on the navigational systems of insects. The PhD student will work within the Lund Vision Group, located in the Functional Zoology unit at the Department of Biology, Lund University.

Work duties

The goal of the PhD project is to provide the first thorough investigation of how biological compasses, that guide insects in their movements across the globe, are adapted to different visual environments, with a focus on neuronal adaptations. Fundamental differences between different types of environments include light levels, amount of direct sun light and type of terrain. The outcome of this project will allow us to develop optimized models of visual orientation mechanisms for different visual habitats. Such models can used to inspire effective guidance strategies for autonomous robots navigating through natural environments.

The project will involve state-of-art tracking techniques (Differential GPS, high speed videography), video analysis, morphological and molecular studies of eyes and insect view reconstructions. In addition, there will be opportunities to learn histological, neuroanatomical and micro-CT techniques to measure, map and reconstruct the sensory and information processing structures in South African dung beetles.

The project includes behavioral studies in the field in South Africa (3-8 weeks per year) and is suitable for candidates with a background and an interest in neurobiology, computational biology and behaviour.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Additional requirements:

• A MSC in Molecular Biology/Neurobiology or a closely related area.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work
• Practical experience in video and image analysis

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Practical experience of behavioral work in the field
• Experience in data processing, statistical computing, and scripting in Matlab
• Experience in 3D-reconstruction in Amira (or similar).

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programe.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.

2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.

3. Written and oral communication skills

4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Terms of employment

Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§. Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).