Researcher in Biology

Our research group studies the ecological and evolutionary drivers of floral trait variation, with a focus on how biotic interactions—particularly with pollinators—and abiotic factors shape plant reproductive strategies. We conduct our research along altitudinal gradients in the tropical Andes of Bolivia, a region that offers an opportunity for examining how climate and biodiversity vary across space and time. These gradients are especially valuable for understanding plant adaptation in the face of global climate change, which is disrupting seasonal patterns and altering plant-pollinator interactions.

We are seeking a motivated and curious candidate—preferably with a background in evolutionary ecology, plant-pollinator interactions, or related fields—to join our team and contribute to an integrative project combining fieldwork, trait-based approaches, experimental studies, evolution, and community ecology. The position offers the opportunity to work in a highly diverse tropical system and to address pressing questions about the resilience and evolution of plant-pollinator systems in a changing world.

Work duties

• Conduct fieldwork along altitudinal gradients in the tropical Andes, including sampling of plant-pollinator interactions, floral traits, and co-flowering communities
• Design and carry out pollination-efficiency and reproductive success experiments
• Contribute to the maintenance and organization of field and laboratory data
• Conduct lab work, including pollen and nectar analysis, and greenhouse experiments.
• Analyse ecological and evolutionary data using appropriate statistical methods
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team and contribute to group discussions
• Write and publish scientific manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals
• Assist in mentoring students and contributing to outreach and conservation activities.

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in evolutionary ecology, plant biology, botany, or a related field
• Research experience in plant-pollinator interactions, floral evolution, or plant reproductive ecology
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and data handling (e.g., R or other relevant platforms)
• Experience conducting ecological fieldwork, preferably in remote or tropical environments
• Practical experience in laboratory techniques relevant to pollination biology
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multicultural and multilingual setting
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• A strong motivation to conduct high-quality research and publish in scientific journals

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Knowledge in Spanish is a plus
• Good collaborative and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary and multicultural research teams
• Strong motivation, drive, and independence, as well as the ability to take initiative and manage research tasks responsibly
• Alignment with ongoing research in the department, and the potential to complement and strengthen existing projects
• Capacity to contribute to the future development of the research environment, through innovation, outreach, mentoring, or development of new research directions 

Terms of employment

This is a full-time position for one year. The position is based at Lund University within a dynamic and supportive research environment, with fieldwork taking place primarily in the tropical Andes of Bolivia.

Start date is flexible, but expected to be November-December 2025.

Contact Person:

For more information about the position, please contact: Sissi Lozada Gobilard

Email: sissi.lozada_gobilard@biol.lu.se

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• A résumé/CV, including a complete list of publications
• A general description of past research and future research interests (maximum 2 pages)
• Contact information for at least two academic references
• A copy of the doctoral degree certificate