Post-doctoral fellow in Evolutionary Biology

We are seeking a skilled and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to become part of our research team. We study how the environment affects contemporary evolution and its predictability, using laboratory and field data of Trinidadian guppies.

Global change rapidly alters species’ environments, raising concerns about their ability to evolve fast enough to avoid extinction. Whether species will persist or disappear is often unclear as existing methods to predict contemporary evolution work poorly when applied to natural populations. Recent research suggests that environmental variability is an important reason why evolution in the wild is so difficult to predict.

We thus study how the environment affects estimates of heritability, mean fitness, and selection, and thereby potentially the predictability of trait evolution. To do so, we combine quantitative genetic experiments in a newly established, state-of-the-art fish research laboratory with analyses of long-term field data, using the wellknown Trinidadian guppy system. The environmental aspect we mainly manipulate in the laboratory is food availability, because changes in food availability are among the most widespread effects of anthropogenic change.

You will join Assistant Professor Anja Felmy’s research group at Lund University to work on projects that involve statistical and quantitative genetic analyses of both laboratory and field data. You will also be involved in data collection by conducting experiments in the fish laboratory. While the focus of the position must be aligned with the group’s scientific vision, the successful applicant will be able to influence his or her specific research questions.

Work duties

The primary focus of this postdoctoral position is to conduct independent and collaborative research within the subject area, with a strong emphasis on publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The position is designed to provide opportunities to develop a competitive research profile and to contribute actively to the academic output of the host group.The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may be included, but will not exceed 20% of full-time working hours. The position also includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Statistical and quantitative genetic analyses of laboratory and field data on phenotypic traits, fitness components, pedigrees, and environmental variables
• Planning and execution of laboratory experiments with Trinidadian guppies
• Writing manuscripts for publication
• Co-supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Involvement in day-to-day management of the guppy laboratory
• Applying for external research funding

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:

• Written and oral proficiency in English.
• A keen interest in evolutionary biology and quantitative genetics
• Expertise in the use of quantitative genetic analyses and generalised linear mixed-effects models, and ideally also in the use of some mathematical models (e.g. Integral Projection Models)
• Experience in data processing, statistical analysis, and scripting in R
• Practical experience with laboratory animal experiments and/or with large-scale studies of animals in the field

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 statistical data processing and scientific publishing within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• Documented ability to develop, conduct, and publish high-quality research
• Knowledge of methods in quantitative genetics and statistics
• Capacity for analytical and creative thinking
• Enthusiasm, dedication, and the ability to work both independently and in a team

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 2 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:

• 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.