Post-doctoral fellow in Sensory Biology

Subject description

Many insects migrate over vast distances, often to specific destinations they have never previously visited. To get there, these insects rely on a suite of sensory cues at different stages of the journey, such as global compass cues (e.g. the sun, the stars or the Earth’s magnetic field) and local cues en route (e.g. odours or visual landmarks). How these cues are sensed and integrated is still poorly understood, especially in nocturnal migratory insects.

Work duties

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:

• The post-doctoral fellow will investigate how stellar and geomagnetic information is sensed and processed by the Australian Bogong moth Agrotis infusa, a model animal for the investigation of long-distance navigation at night, using behavioural and electrophysiological methods. The work will take place in our specialised laboratory facilities in both Australia and Sweden.
• The post-doctoral fellow will be encouraged to actively seek external research funding to support their research.

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 migration biology, sensory biology, or a related subject area relevant to the position
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A solid research track record in the field of insect navigation and/or insect migration.
• Documented skills in behavioural and/or electrophysiological investigations of insect sensory systems.

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:

• Documented skills in using magnetic and visual stimulation systems for studying insect navigation.
• The ability to work independently and to solve problems in the field.

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.

Contact person: Professor Eric Warrant (Eric.Warrant@biol.lu.se)

Instructions on how to apply

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

• Your résumé/CV, including a list of publications.
• A general description of your past research and future research interests (no more than three pages), including why this position is of specific interest to you.
• Contact information of at least two references.
• A copy of your doctoral degree certificate, and any other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.