Project assistant at the Department of Biology

Work duties

The purpose of the role as project assistant is to support the Principal Investigator and wider research group in practical and administrative matters pertaining to ongoing research in thermal biology and ecological physiology.
The work duties include laboratory measurements of organismal physiology (such as assessment of metabolic rates and body temperature), subcellular physiology (mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, etc.) and gene expression analyses, as well as fieldwork.
The project assistant is also expected to work with project and laboratory administration including, but not limited to, laboratory management, coordination of field- and laboratory work, and providing general administrative support to the PI. The post also involves coordination of research animals, which may include caretaking and management of experimental animal facilities.  

The post is tied to the research program “HotLife – Pathways to survival in a hotter world” which is supported by the European Research Council (ERC). The overall objective of this research is to uncover when and why endothermic animals fail in the heat, and whether plastic or evolutionary responses may render failure a less likely outcome in the future, using captive and wild bird models.

The position is suitable for candidates with a background in thermal physiology, evolutionary biology, or ecological physiology, wishing to apply those skills in a research support role. The position may reuqire travelling (3-8 weeks yearly) to undertake field studies in northern Scandinavia and southern Europe.

Qualifications

• A MSc or higher degree in Biology with specialisation in animal ecology, animal physiology, conservation physiology, ecological physiology or a related area with similar significance for the work in the research group
• Scholarly proficiency in oral and written English
• Relevant laboratory experience, for example within molecular genetics, cellular physiology, or organismal physiology
• A valid driving license (minimum Swedish license category B) is required for fieldwork (which is included in the position) and to travel between campus and the animal facilities.

Other merits that will be considered relevant for the role

• Demonstrated knowledge of avian physiology
• Previous experience with standard techniques for bird handling and sampling, including field procedures such as ringing and blood collection
• Proficiency in statistics and experience with common statistical programming languages such as R.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to teamwork skills, drive and independence within the framework of the project, as well as to how the applicant, through their experience and competence, can strengthen the research group's work and contribute to its development.

Terms of employment

Permanent position with preferred start date 2025-04-15. An initial probationary period of 6 months may be applicable.

The scope of the employment is full time (100%).

For more information, contact: Dr. Andreas Nord, Evolutionary Ecology & Infection Biology

andreas.nord@biol.lu.se

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications. The application should also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered. Please ensure that your application includes grade transcripts, a copy of your thesis, and contact information for at least one reference person that is familiar with your previous work.