Project Assistant in biologi

Work duties

The work entails to participate in and lead data collection within the framework of a long-term population study of insects (damselflies) that has been ongoing since the year 2000, i. e. for more than two decades. The work entails to assist with field experiment at Stensoffa Ecological Field Station, regular visits and re-visits to localities to estimate individual densities and marking of individuals in a mark-recapture study. During the visits and re-visits to known localities, we estimate population densities and colour morph frequencies in a standardized way during the summer months. The work also entails laboratory work where captured individuals are classified to phenotypic categories and morphometric data will be collected and registered in a database. Specimens will also be collected for later DNA-sequencing and molecular work. 

The work will be carried out within the framework of the research group “Population biology, micro- and macroevolution” and it is led by Professor Erik Svensson. With this announcement we intend to hire up to three project assistants during the field season from May 15 to September 15 2026, with flexible start and end dates. These dates can be adjusted slighty within each period depending on the field season. 

See under Selection Questions what periods you can choose between.

Qualifications 

• University education in ecology, evolution or conservation biology.
• Experiences: field work with insects.
• Knowledge: Good knowledge in written and spoken English.
• Competences: Basic knowledge about insects, identification and capture.
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a group.
• Valid Swedish driver´s license as we use car to drive to field localities

Other merits

• Utbildning: University education in i biology (Master’s degree)
• Experiences: broad experience of biological work, ideally field experience with insects
• Knowledge: good communicative and cooperative skills
• Good leadership skills and ability to supervise students
• Administrative experience
• Computer experience and excellent digital skills. 

We will place great emphasis on personal skills. We will also consider ambition, drive and independence. Certain administrative tasks are also part of the work within the group. There will also be logistic in conjunction with the field work and supervision of Swedish and foreign students who will participate in the work   

Terms of employment

Fixed-term employment during the period May 1 – September 15 2026.

The scope of the employment: 70 % of full time

Contact person: Professor Erik Svensson (erik.svensson@biol.lu.se)

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position, in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications, and how the experience you gain as project assistant will facilitate your future career trajectories. The application should also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).