Project Assistant in biology

Work duties

The work entails to participate in and lead data collection within the framework of a long-term population study of insects (damselflies) that has been ongoing since the year 2000, i. e. for more than two decades. The work entails to assist with field experiment at Stensoffa Ecological Field Station, regular visits and re-visits to localities to estimate individual densities and marking of individuals in a mark-recapture study. During the visits and re-visits to known localities, we estimate population densities and colour morph frequencies in a standardized way during the summer months. The work also entails laboratory work where captured individuals are classified to phenotypic categories and morphometric data is collected and registered in a database. Some individuals will also be collected for later DNA-sequencing and molecular work. 

The work will be carried out within the framework of the research group “Population biology, micro- and macroevolution” and it is led by Professor Erik Svensson and Dr. Masahito Tsuboi. 

With this announcement we open up for hiring up to five project assistants during the field season from May 15 to September 15, with flexible start and end dates. 

See under Terms of employment what periods you can choose between.

Qualifications 

• University education in ecology, evolution or conservation biology.
• Field work with insects.
• Good knowledge in written and spoken English.
• Basic knowledge about insects, identification and capture.
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a group. 

Other merits

• Master’s degree in Biology
• Broad experience of biological work, ideally field experience with insects
• Good communicative and cooperative skills
• Good leadership skills and ability to supervise students
• Swedish driver’s license is desirable as we use car to drive to field localities
• Administrative experience
• Computer experience

We will place great emphasis on personal skills. We will also consider ambition, drive and independence. Certain administrative tasks are also part of the work within the research group. There will also be logistic in conjunction with the field work and supervision of both Swedish and foreign students who will participate in the work   

Terms of employment

Employment period 1:

Fixed-term employment: May 15 2025 - August 31 2025,  Scope of employment: 50%

Employment period 2:

Fixed-term employment: June 1 2025 - September 15, 2025, Scope of employment: 50%

Employment period 3:

Fixed-term employment: June 15 2025 - August 15 2025, Scope of employment: 50%

Employment period 4:

Fixed-term employment: June 15 2025 - August 31 2025, Scope of employment: 50%

Contact person: Professor Erik Svensson (erik.svensson@biol.lu.se)

 Instructions on how to apply

Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position, in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications, and how the experience you gain as project assistant will facilitate your future career trajectories. 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.).