Post-doctoral fellow in Evolutionary biology

Subject description

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to conduct research in evolutionary ecology, with a specific focus on population resilience and adaptation in island populations of lizards. 

Small island populations are vulnerable to extinction because of demographic stochasticity, loss of genetic variation, inbreeding depression and that individuals cannot easily move to more hospitable environments. Yet, many island populations of Mediterranean wall lizards have persisted on small islands and islets for thousands of years. The aim of the project is to advance our understanding of the factors that influence population resilience and risk of extinction by combining reconstruction of evolutionary history with field and experimental research. The latter could involve studies of lizard ecology, behaviour, physiology, developmental biology and genetics.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Work duties include the following:

• Develop specific project aims in collaboration with the host group
• Plan and carry out research in the field and in the laboratory
• Analyse and interpret data, write scientific papers
• Develop further skills and knowledge in the subject area, and apply those to outstanding problems in ecology and evolutionary biology
• Supervise students
• Communicate science to the public

The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, in the subject area, 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.
• A strong interest in ecology and evolutionary biology
• Demonstrated ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in teams of researchers.
• A strong record of publishing in internationally recognized scientific journals.
• Strong skills in experimental design
• Experience and skills in the following areas is desirable: population biology, invasion biology, thermal biology, trophic ecology, population and evolutionary genomics
• Strong statistical skills, including linear mixed modeling. 

 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 three 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 (max 1 page).
• A proposed research project that is in line with the area of research as described above (max 2 pages)
• A CV, including publications.
• Contact information for two referees.

For informal discussions about the position, please contact Prof Tobias Uller (tobias.uller@biol.lu.se). For information on the host group and their research, please visit https://feiner-uller-group.se/.