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

Subject description
Among insects, bees stand out as expert navigators, using sophisticated strategies to return to their nest after convoluted and extended foraging excursions. One such strategy is path integration, which is often used in conjunction with visual route navigation and might be a foundation for cognitive maps. While the neural underpinnings of navigation behavior become increasingly illuminated, most data on neural circuits exists in the fruit fly, whose navigational abilities are not as advanced as those of bees. 

After obtaining large amounts of connectomics data on neural circuits of the navigation center of the insect brain across several model species, we have identified a circuit that appears to be specific to bees and which might be able to explain the ability of these insects for sophisticated navigation behavior. We will now use this data as a basis for computational circuit modeling to test whether the anatomical findings are indeed compatible with this hypothesis. For this project, we are seeking an experienced researcher to translate our connectomics data into computational models. The goal is to develop biologically realistic models that incorporate all newly identified circuit elements and to test its behavior in navigational tasks. For this purpose, the circuit will be embedded into existing models of head direction coding and steering, both of which will also have to be adapted to construct a bee specific version of these networks. The predictions made by these models will form the foundation for behavioral experiments.

Work duties

•    The successful candidate will work full time on the above outlined research project. It is expected that she/he will actively and creatively develop and optimize the detailed methods to pursue the overall project goals. 

•    All work will be carried out embedded in a collaborative research team, requiring sharing of expertise, open discussion of results and facilitating experiments of other team members.

•    Active participation at international conferences is expected, as well as dissemination of results in peer reviewed publications.

•    While not the main focus of the position, teaching at Master’s student level (lecturing, tutoring) are possible, covering neurobiological and sensory biology content. Teaching will not exceed 20% of total time. 

•    To facilitate development of teaching skills the position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

•    Furthermore, the successful candidate is expected to actively seek independent research funding during the employment period, providing the opportunity to transition towards an independent researcher position. 

•    Finally, the position includes limited duties in administration related to the work duties listed above

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 date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. 

Additional requirements:

•    Excellent oral and written proficiency in English. 

•    PhD in neural computation, bio-inspired systems or similar topic

•    At least two years of experience with work on computational models of insect brains, illustrated by relevant publications in peer reviewed journals

•    Experienced programmer (python, ROS, matlab, C++)

•    Good knowledge of insect navigation and neural circuits

•    Experience in bridging connectomics data and computational models

•    Experience in design, implementation and evaluation of behavioral models in simulated and real environments

•    The candidate must be highly motivated and eager to engage in challenging problems

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 and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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 two pages),
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.