Post Doctor in insect ecology

Department of Ecology
The Department of Ecology conducts research for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. At the Department of Ecology our research group conduct studies on chemically-mediated interactions between plants and the importance of indirect effects of plant-plant interaction on plant-herbivore-natural enemy communities. We generate knowledge on how these interactions can be applied in development of sustainable crop protection strategies.

The aim of this project is to understand an overlooked aspect of predator – prey interactions and the ecological roles of ladybird aposematic semiochemistry. In this project we will investigate these tritrophic interactions further to reach an understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their possible contribution to sustainable aphid control in cereals.

Duties:
The Postdoc will play a key role in a new project that exploring the effects of ladybirds chemical tracks on plant response and aphid behaviour. The candidate is expected to investigate the impact of ladybird chemical tracks on key aspects of aphid development, evaluate plant responses induced by semiochemicals in ladybird footprints and isolate and confirm the chemical cues mediating plant and aphid responses as well as investigate the potential of these top-down and bottom-up interactions to control pest aphids in field experiments.

The successful candidate will participate in small projects that may or may not be directly related to their own project research, support other projects in the research group and generate pilot data for future grant submissions. This may also include mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as assisting other lab/community members.

Qualifications:
 

We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher who has a strong interest in chemical ecology, and who is actively pursuing an academic career. Candidates must have completed and defended their PhD in chemical ecology, ecology or entomology or a related field by the last application date of this position. The position is intended for junior scientists and we are primarily looking for candidates that have received their PhD not later than three years ago.

The candidate should be able to quickly understand new research questions, identify the key issues and make situational judgements on how to proceed. The successful candidate will be part of a group of international researchers with different backgrounds and needs to be able to work in a group as well as independently. Selection of the successful applicant is mainly based on scientific skills and research experience in one or more of the following areas: ladybird’s chemical ecology, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, insect behaviour, plant-insect interactions as well as knowledge in design and performance of filed experiments. Evidence of knowledge and experience in ladybird’s chemical ecology will be an advantage. Much emphasis in our recruitment will be placed on personal qualities and soft skills, e.g. high degree of self-motivation, the ability to work tidily, effectively, responsibly and congenially in a group context with shared facilities. The candidate must have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English and proven proficiency in writing and publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Place of work:
Uppsala, Sweden

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
November 2020 or earlier if possible

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-10-02, use the button below.

Interested applicants should submit the following:


• Cover letter demonstrating the applicants motivation and interest in the topic (max 2 pages, in English)
• C.V., including the date of disputation, the list of published work (if any), and names and contact information for three references
• Copies of transcripts of academic records, or a link to/copy of doctoral thesis

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.