Postdoctor

Department of Ecology
The position is based at the Department of Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. The Department of Ecology conducts internationally strong empirical and theoretical research and education for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation.

See also: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology/

The position will be placed within the honeybee research group. Our research group’s main focus is on honeybee health, but we also do research on the health of bumblebees and wild bees. We study how pathogens and parasites are influenced by environmental factors, pesticides and beekeeping techniques and try to identify sustainable solutions to mitigate them. Here, the successful candidate will be offered a stimulating context with colleagues who focus on various aspects of bee health and have an internationally extensive collaborative network.  

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/
Duties:
Honeybees have a unique repertoire of behaviours that are performed individually or as a group to reduce or limit the spread of disease within the honeybee colony. In particular, the removal behaviour involves adult bees that detect sick individual pupae and remove them from the colony. Within this project, the postdoc will be responsible to lead research on exploring the role of virus infections in pupae as subtle triggers of removal behaviours as well as on the efficiency or accuracy of these behaviours. A large amount of collected material and data already exists for the postdoc to take over and experimental work will commence in the summer months with establishing virus infections and performing honeybee behavioural assays. Laboratory work includes quantifying virus infections and pupae volatile compounds using RT-qPCR and gas chromatography techniques, respectively.

Qualifications:
The candidate for this position should hold a doctoral degree in Biology, Ecology, Molecular Biology or related subjects and should show a well-documented interest and general expertise in insect ecology, insect pathology, or insect behaviour. Experience with molecular biology techniques and laboratory analytical techniques are desired. Prior experience with studying or working with honeybees is of high merit.

A strong publication record (in relation to the time since dissertation) is a merit. Excellent communication skills in oral and written English are required. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is interested in pursuing academic research in the forefront of this research area, and we place great emphasis on the personal qualities of a suitable candidate for this position. 

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree under three years old.

Place of work:
Uppsala.

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with possibility of extension.

Extent:
100%.

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2023-09-30, please use the button below.

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.