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

Subject 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 position 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 leading model development for exploring land use driven pesticide exposure to bees and relations between exposure and effects on bee individuals, colonies, populations and pollination services, as well as using available data to parametrize individual based bumble bee models and lead analysis and writing scientific publications. The work also includes 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.

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, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

We are searching for a PhD in ecology, ecotoxicology, physical geography, environmental science, agricultural science or similar [MR1] with a strong background in research on environmental consequences of pesticide use and land use change. Experience of developing and using spatial and/or individual based models, landscape ecological or ecotoxicological studies or work with geographical information systems, 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.

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 to contribute to its 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.

Contact person is Maj Rundlöf, maj.rundlof@biol.lu.se. 

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