Researcher in arthropod visual ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The project deals with the specialization of miniaturized arthropod eyes to maintain complex visual behaviours with minimal numbers of ommatidia. The work will involve preparing thrips and water flea eyes and optic lobes for volume electron microscopy. This will involve optimization of fixation that will be validated by micro-CT and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of opsin genes in the eyes of these species will also be confirmed using in situ hybridization.

Work duties

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within the area of visual ecology and invertebrate vision.
• Teaching in the first, second and third cycles of studies
• Opportunity for training in higher education teaching and learning shall be given if teaching is part of the work duties.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with industry and wider society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

Applicants must have:

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of Applied Entomology, Insect ecology, biology or related fields.
• Knowledge and experience in the field of invertebrate visual ecology, especially with miniaturized eyes in insects, compound eye anatomy and morphology.
• Experience working with serial block-face SEM, X-ray microtomography, TEM and other imaging and microscopy techniques.
• Experience conducting behavioural experiments related to visual ecology with miniaturized invertebrates.
• A good understanding and experience with molecular techniques related to in situ hybridization, and understanding of opsin expression in invertebrates.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Experience in tissue fixation protocols for miniaturized aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates and electron microscopy techniques.
• Familiarity with software including FIJI for image analysis and tracing tools like CATMAID for projectomic and connectomic purposes are especially needed.

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

Fixed term employment for 6 months. Start date April 27th, 2026 or as soon as possible, by agreement.

The scope of the employment is fulltime (100%).

Contact person: Michael Bok, researcher: michael.bok@biol.lu.se 

Instructions on how to apply

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

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.