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

Subject description

Many bird species in arctic and temperate regions perform annual migrations between their breeding and wintering sites. To do so they may employ alternative strategies, involving how to split the journey between flight and stopover episodes, when to undertake migratory flights in relation to external factors (like moon phase and weather), and the selection of optimal flight altitudes. In migration ecology we can prescribe optimal (or ideal) migration strategies with respect to alternate criteria, for example to achieve minimum energy cost, time or mortality risk of the migratory journey. In recent years, a rapid technological development, not least by using multi sensor microdata loggers and transmitters, now allows investigation of migration behaviour and energy requirements of unprecedent sophistication. In this project the successful candidate will become part of a team striving to uncover physiological, morphological and behavioural adaptations in migratory birds, with the overall goal to achieve a deep understanding of the interplay between these different organismal feats. The research will involve the development of novel techniques applied to freely migrating birds to explore migration and orientation strategies and may also involve experimental investigation in the laboratory (a low turbulence wind tunnel).

Work duties

The researcher is expected to take responsibility for coordinating and leading field work campaigns, including catching wild birds for micro data logger deployments, recapture birds, organize data, and lead analysis and prepare manuscripts for publication. The work also includes possibility to supervise MSc or BSc students. The researcher is expected to participate in the research groups Animal Flight Lab and Animal Navigation Lab at the Department of Biology. Supervision of student projects at the master levels will be relevant. It may also be relevant to work with applications to seek external funding.

Qualification requirements

• We are searching for a highly dedicated PhD in migration ecology, movement ecology, animal ecology or similar, with a strong background in research on animal movement tracking data.
• The candidate must have previous work experience as postdoc.
• Experience of developing and using spatial and/or individual based models, GIS and extract and organize data from meteorological databases
• The main criteria for evaluation of candidates is scientific skills, problem solving skills, and the potential to contribute to the overall goals of the research project.
• Requirement: driver’s license B.
• Excellent skills in written and verbal communication in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

Previous experiences of using R and MATLAB is a merit. The person is also expected to be organized, self-motivated and be able to communicate with governing authorities, company representatives, landowners, media and students.

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

• Permanent position with preferred start date in July 2024. 
• The scope of the employment is full time
• Contact person is Anders Hedenström, anders.hedenstrom@biol.lu.se

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications. The application should 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, etc.).