Postdoctoral fellow in urban ecology

Subject description

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to conduct research in urban avian ecology, with a specific focus on anthropogenic stressors and its impact on avian health and fitness.  

Urban environments are caracterized by a number of anthropogenic stressors such as higher air pollution level, noise and artifical light at night. In addition, many birds suffer from lower availability of natural prey and food resources. All these factors can influence the health and general condition of birds, as well as lower their reproductive success. The aim of the project is to advance our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of reproductive failures in urban environments and what urban factors that may cause these failures using both field and experimental approaches.  

The position will be based within the urban avian ecology research group led by Prof Caroline Isaksson, within the Department of Biology. More information about the group’s research can be found here: https://www.biology.lu.se/caroline-isaksson.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion 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.

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 urban ecology and ecophysiology
• Supervise students

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:

• PhD in Biology
• Very good written and oral proficiency in English
• A strong interest in urban ecophysiology and avian ecology
• 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 statistical skills, including linear mixed modeling
• A driver’s licence is needed as field work is part of the work tasks and you need to be able to get to the field premises
• A strong interest in supervision of undergraduate students

Other merits:

• Experience and skills in the following areas is desirable: population ecology, endocrinology, nutrional physiology, oxidative stress physiology, anthropogenic stressors, wild bird monitoring and sampling of tissues

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. We will place great emphasis on personal suitability.

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 (max 1 page).
• A CV, including publications.
• Contact information for two referees.
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.

For informal discussions about the position, please contact Prof Caroline Isaksson (caroline.isaksson@biol.lu.se).