Post-doctoral fellow in phytoplankton ecology

Subject description

Cyanobacterial blooms pose a serious health and environmental hazard in surface waters around the world because they produce algal toxins, especially microcystins, which are toxic to humans, wildlife and livestock. This is particularly problematic for surface waters used as drinking water sources. Unfortunately, there is a lack of reliable tools to monitor and predict which factors can lead to high toxicity. The reason is that blooms are composed of strains that produce microcystins and those that do not. The aim of this research project is to determine which factors drive the toxicity of algal blooms and ultimately use this knowledge to develop an early warning system. The approach will involve both field and laboratory experiments. The project includes developing a method that can provide early warning to drinking water producers and other stakeholders of toxic algal blooms. The project is being run in collaboration with personnel at the drinking water producer Sydvatten AB.

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.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Research within the subject area.
• Laboratory work such as algae cultivation, sample preparation, quantitative PCR, cell sorting and field sampling.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students.
• Applying for external research funding.
• Collaboration with Sydvatten and other similar actors.
• Administration linked to the tasks above.

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 limnology, aquatic ecology or equivalent.
• Postdoctoral experience at a different university than where the doctoral degree was obtained
• Scientific production of articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Experience in independently conducting laboratory experiments and field studies
• Practical experience of the qPCR technique
• Experience in cultivating microalgae
• Good knowledge of statistics, including R
• Good ability to organize and structure one's work
• Very good ability to express oneself in writing
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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. 

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience in supervising students
• Experience of collaborative projects
• Experience in popular science communication
• Driver's license
• Good knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written.

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 3 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:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.