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

Subject description
This position is part of Professor Marie Dacke’s research project “Navigating the most challenging habitats on earth: unravelling the architecture of a universal compass system”. 

A quickly growing pool of studies indicates that neuronal networks are modulated in a context-dependent manner. Therefore, to truly understand how a compass works, and to formulate the core computational algorithms underlying this remarkable system, we need to study the fundamental optical parameters behind the visual system of manipulated and freely orienting insect. The large dung-beetles, with their easily manipulated orientation behavior, offers a unique opportunity to attain this.

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, such as:

• Research within the subject area
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Detailed comparative behavioural analysis of orientation performance and optical parameters in different species of dung beetles navigating in different visual environments (in the lab and in the field).
• Identification to species in the field, as well as the identification of new locations for the collection of animals as well as for behavioural experiments in the field.
• 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:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Postdoctoral studies.
• A background within the field of entomology.
• Experience of field behavioural experiments.
• Experience with the training, handling of different insect species, preferably beetle species.
• Good working knowledge of different optical analysis using light microscopy and micro-CT.

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