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

Postdoctoral fellow in bird migration energetics

Subject description
Many bird species in arctic and temperate regions perform annual migrations between their breeding and wintering sites. To do so they may employ alternative strategies, involving how to split the journey between flight and stopover episodes, when to undertake migratory flights in relation to external factors (like moon phase and weather), and the selection of optimal flight altitudes. In migration ecology we can prescribe optimal (or ideal) migration strategies with respect to alternate criteria, for example to achieve minimum energy cost, time or mortality risk of the migratory journey. In recent years, a rapid technological development, not least by using multi sensor microdata loggers and transmitters, now allows investigation of migration behaviour and energy requirements of unprecedent sophistication. In this project the successful candidate will become part of a team striving to uncover physiological, morphological and behavioural adaptations in migratory birds, with the overall goal to achieve a deep understanding of the interplay between these different organismal feats. The research will involve the development of novel techniques applied to freely migrating birds to explore migration and orientation strategies, and may also involve experimental investigation in the laboratory (a low turbulence wind tunnel).

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 field work campaigns, including catching wild birds for micro data logger deployments, recapture birds, organize data, and lead analysis and prepare manuscripts for publication. The work also includes possibility to supervise MSc or BSc students. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to participate in the research groups Animal Flight Lab and Animal Navigation Lab at the Department of Biology. Supervision of student projects at the bachelor and master levels will be relevant. It may also be relevant to work with applications to seek external funding.

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.

We are searching for a highly dedicated PhD in migration ecology, movement ecology, animal ecology or similar, with a strong background in research on animal movement tracking data. Experience of developing and using spatial and/or individual based models, GIS and extract and organize data from meteorological databases, as well as excellent skills in written and verbal communication in English and a driver’s license (EU Type B) are requirements for the position. 

Previous experiences of using R and MATLAB is a merit. The person is also expected to be organized, self-motivated and be able to communicate with governing authorities, company representatives, landowners, media and students.

The main criteria for evaluation of candidates is scientific skills, problem solving skills, and the potential to contribute to the overall goals of 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 relevant to the project.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

Ability to develop and conduct high quality research Ability to work in the research group environment

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, ability to organize and conduct field work, perseverance to conduct field work during inconvenient times and conditions, 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.

Documented ability to write and communicate in English at an advanced level is a requirement.

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 Anders Hedenström, anders.hedenstrom@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

If you are shortlisted you should also be prepared to submit a pdf of your PhD thesis.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

To apply, please click the button "Login and apply"