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

Subject description
The research groups of Tobias Uller (http://feiner-uller-group.se) and Charlie Cornwallis (http://charliecornwallis.org) are recruiting a fully-funded postdoctoral researcher in evolutionary biology. The project aims to develop theory to understand the relationship between selection in variable environments and the evolution of development, with a particular focus on its implications for evolvability. The project is part of an international research programme that provides opportunities for career development. The starting date is negotiable and funding is available for three years.

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.

Detailed description of the work duties are:

• Develop theory and mathematical models to better understand the evolution of evolvability  
• Close collaboration with experimentalists to inform and interpret experimental research
• Co-supervision of MSc degree projects
• Dissemination of the acquired insights, including writing of scientific publications

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:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within evolutionary biology or closely adjacent fields 
• Very good oral and written English
•  A comprehensive understanding of evolutionary theory and in particular evolutionary developmental biology
• Extensive experience of mathematical modelling
• Documented ability to develop and complete high-quality research
• Technical and analytical skills, in particular with respect to statistical analyses of experimental data, and good organisational skills

The following are highly desirable:

• Experience of analyses of data from experimental evolution
• Evidence of an ability to work independently and in teams

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:

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

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 three years. The starting date is negotiable. 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. Informal inquiries before applying are welcome (tobias.uller@biol.lu.se).

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing: 

• Motivation letter describing past research and future research interests (max. 2 pages)
• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• Names, relation to and contact information of 2 professional references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered