Postdoc position in molecular-based insect community ecology

Department of Ecology
At the Ecology Centre of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden, we conduct research on populations, communities and ecosystems. We generate knowledge on how land use and climate affects animals, plants, nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas balance, and develop sustainable solutions for the future. Active outreach and frequent dialogue with stakeholders are key activities.
Duties:
The postdoctoral researcher will work with the largest, systematically collected global data set on insects (>2M individuals; >200K taxa) generated by molecular methods to date, reconstructing global patterns in insect community structure and global processes in insect community assembly with joint specis distribution models as a key tool. The postdoctoral researcher will gain academic support from the research team of Tomas Roslin (https://www.slu.se/en/ew-cv/tomas-roslin/). The research will be conducted in collaboration with a large international network centered on the international LIFEPLAN project (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/projects/lifeplan). In this setting, the researcher will analyze data, and write and publish scientific papers in collaboration with the extended research team. The postdoc will also assist in the supervision of PhD students, engage in and lead lab activities, and communicate with international research partners.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate pursuing an academic career in ecology with a solid interest in community ecology. A PhD in ecology, biology, entomology, bioinformatics or equivalent is required. The candidate should have a solid background in both molecular methods and community ecology. Documented expertise in statistical analyses is required. A thorough knowledge of insects and their systematics and/or ecology is appreciated, as needed to connect data on taxonomic assignment to functional groups, trophic levels etc. Advanced skills in bioinformatics, community ecology and/or relevant statistical techniques are considered strong merits. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. The candidate should have documented skills in scientific writing. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral, are required. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree from the last three years. We put strong emphasis on personal character including good collaborative skills.

Place of work:
Uppsala, Sweden.

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
April 1, 2020, or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than March 1, 2020. Please use the button below. 

Applications should be written in English and contain (i) a statement of academic interests and motivation for applying to this position (max 8000 characters including spaces), (ii) Curriculum Vitae including a complete publication list separated into peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications and (iii) contact information to two reference persons.

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.