Post-doctoral fellow in Evolutionary biology

Subject description

Evolutionary Biology: evolvability and the evolution of multicellularity

Work duties

A postdoctoral fellowship position is available to work on a project examining the evolution of multicellularity. The fellow will work with researchers in Biodiversity and Evolution and Functional Ecology divisions at the Department of Biology, Lund University. 

Over evolutionary time there have been several major transitions that have shaped contemporary patterns of organismal complexity. In each of these transitions a group of individuals that previously replicated independently joined together to form a new, more complex life form. For example, unicells joined together to form multicellular bodies, asexual organisms combined to reproduce sexually and individual organisms have foregone independence to live in groups.

The position will focus on understanding what predisposes some species to undergo the transition from unicellular to multicellular. The project will use a combination of theory, experimental evolution on target groups (e.g. green algae), and comparative analyses of independent transitions to multicellularity using genomic, ecological and life-history data. This position will provide the opportunity to explore social evolutionary theory and develop skills in experimental design, bioinformatics, phylogenetic comparative methods and meta-analysis.

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.
• Strong interest in general evolutionary theory
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in teams with other researchers.
• Experience and skills in the following areas is essential: social evolutionary theoretical modelling, transcriptomics and experimental design.
• A strong record of publishing in internationally recognized scientific journals.
• Experience and skills in the following areas is desirable: bioinformatics, experimental evolution, linear mixed modeling and phylogenetic comparative analysis

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.

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 two 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:

• A cover letter explaining the applicant’s background, research interests and motivation for applying to this position
• CV, including a list of publications
• Contact information of at least two references