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

The ‘Evolutionary Ecology of Plant-Insect Interactions’ research group is recruiting a fully-funded postdoctoral researcher to work on questions related to plant adaptation to novel pollinator assemblages. The project is led by Dr. Øystein Opedal and will combine existing original data and databases with new field and greenhouse data to better understand the factors affecting evolutionary potential and constraint in plant evolution, with focus on traits functionally involved in plant-insect interactions. The successful applicant will be encouraged to help develop the project in new directions in collaboration with the project team, and the exact project plan will be adjusted based on the background and interest of the applicant. The starting date is negotiable.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion 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.

Detailed description of the work duties

• Active participation in the scientific design of the project.
• Contributing to field work, greenhouse work with plants and/or compilation of data from the literature.
• Analysis of phenotypic data including G-matrices using quantitative-genetic methods.
• Supervision of MSc projects.
• Dissemination of results through presentations and scientific publications.
• Actively seeking external research 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. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Expertise in evolutionary ecology and/or evolutionary quantitative genetics.
• Background in evolutionary botany, including field or greenhouse work with plants, is advantageous.
• For candidates participating in field work, drivers license is a requirement, and knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.                                                                                                                 

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.

The following merits form assessment criteria for the position:

• Fulfilment of qualification requirements
• Documented ability to develop and complete high-quality research
• High intellectual capacity and problem-solving ability
• Technical, analytical and organizational skills
• Enthusiasm, dedication and an ability to work both independently and in a team

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, future research interests, and motivation for applying (no more than three pages),
• contact information of, and relation to, at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.