Post-doctoral fellow in evolutionary ecology with a focus on ecophysiology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The goal of the project is to uncover why global warming and heatwaves reduce reproductive success and cause excess mortality in wild birds. Specifically, the work will address if spatial and temporal variation in thermoregulatory performance in birds has a heritable basis, and if selection for heat- and cold-tolerance is already ongoing in nature. The work will be based on a combination of field and laboratory studies, each using state-of-the-art thermophysiological measurements and associated molecular and quantitative assays at field sites across Europe.

The position is suitable for candidates with a background in evolutionary biology, animal physiology, molecular biology or quantitative ecology, with an interest in applying this knowledge to address new questions in the eco-evolutionary physiology of thermal adaption.

Work duties

The position is linked to the research program "HotLife – Pathways to Survival in a Warmer World," funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The overarching goal is to determine why warm-blooded animals struggle in a warmer climate, whether plastic or evolutionary responses can alter this outcome, and if selection for temperature tolerance has already happened.

The candidate will be responsible for characterizing phenotypic variation in heat and cold tolerance across populations of wild birds along broad latitudinal gradients, as well as under standardized common-garden conditions. The work also includes investigations of the heritability of phenotypic traits that enable thermal adaptation, and may involve studies of the associated molecular and subcellular mechanisms mediating such adaptation. The practical work is carried out in collaboration with research groups in Europe and includes extended periods of fieldwork abroad.

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position 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.

The work duties include:

• Research within the subject area.
• Supervision of degree projects.
• Actively seeking external research funding.
• Administration related to the work duties listed 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:

• A completed PhD in evolutionary biology, evolutionary ecology, animal physiology, molecular biology, or a closely related field relevant to the position.
• Strong proficiency in quantitative methods and statistics, including programming in commonly used languages such as R.
• A valid category B driver’s license, enabling fieldwork in Sweden and abroad.
• 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:

• Practical experience in applying relevant thermophysiological, bioenergetic, or cellular physiological methods
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and associated analytical tools, including work with -omics data
• Field experience, including standard techniques for handling and sampling wild birds
• Documented experience in publishing research in international peer-reviewed journals

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 single PDF-file containing:

• CV and publication list
• A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project aligns with your research background and future research plans (maximum 2 pages)
• Contact information of at least two academic references
• Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and any other certificates/grades/documents that should be considered