Doctoral student in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties, up to 20%.

The goal of the PhD project is to provide an in-depth comparative investigation of the migratory phenotype in songbird species with focus on behavioural adaptations, cognitive traits and physiology. Fundamental differences in the migratory program include diel activity schedules, the use of natural sensory cues for orientation and navigation, and the exchange of information with conspecifics. The outcome of the project will fill critical gaps in animal migration theory, clarifying which role inherited information, learning, and sociality, play in shaping the phenotypic variation of migratory strategies present in songbirds.

The project includes behavioural studies of captive migratory songbirds in a state-of-the-art experimental facility with computer-controlled cues manipulation to simulate virtual landscapes and a multi-sensory array system to monitor and reveal unique characteristics of the behavioural phenotype of target species. The experimental work entails extracting behavioural information from video and audio datasets developing modern artificial intelligence algorithms. In addition, there will be opportunities to contribute to implement sensors calibration and human-machine interface software for a novel custom battery-powered data acquisition platform for studying animal orientation in the field.

This is a highly cross-disciplinary project in tight collaboration with the Faculty of Mathematics, LTH at Lund University and it is part of the LU Profile Area: Natural and Artificial Cognition (NAC) and the eSSENCE national research programme for e-Science and advanced digital technology. Cooperation with tech companies is to be expected. The project is suitable for candidates with a strong technical background and an interest in computational biology, animal behaviour and migration. Third-cycle courses will be offered to broaden the competence to include both biology and technical sciences.

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biology if he or she has passed an independent project (for example a degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements

• A MSc in engineering, computer science or a related area.
• Experience in programming and machine learning.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work.
• Driver license.

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Experience in behavioural analysis.
• Experience in statistical computing and the use of Python and R.
• Practical experience in video and audio analysis.
• Experience from work with animals and handling of birds.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, for example professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to strong collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1–7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should/shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the postgraduate education programme and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etcetera).