Postdoctoral position in chemical ecology

Department of Plant Protection Biology
The Department of Plant Protection is an interdisciplinary constellation with good opportunities for strong research collaboration within and outside the departmental area (www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-protection-biology). World-leading research conducted in chemical ecology/sensory biology has resulted in a dynamic working environment and a strong international reputation in both fundamental and applied research.

The disease vector group at the Department investigates behaviours driven by the interactions between mosquitoes and their chemical environment, and the mechanisms underlying these vector-related activities. Host selection and discrimination by mosquitoes are mainly odour mediated. Understanding how individual salient host volatiles and their cognate receptors contribute to this and other behaviours is challenging, controversial and of significant practical importance for controlling these rapidly evolving vectors.

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:
A vast majority of volatile organic compounds are shared in the odour space of distantly related mosquito species. While the structure of the odorant receptors used to detect these compounds differ markedly, the functional characteristics of the receptors appear to be conserved. In this project, the candidates will analyse the odorant receptors of two disease vectors, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae, using a reverse chemical ecology approach to elucidate the evolutionary structure-function relationship of odorant receptors, in an ecological and evolutionary context, using both physiological and functional genomic techniques.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a biology-related field. The ideal candidate should have extensive qualifications and experience in electrophysiology, particularly single sensillum recording, Drosophila genetics and gas chromatography. The candidate should be fluent in spoken and written English and have excellent communication skills. The candidate should enjoy working in a group environment, as well as demonstrate a solid ability to work independently to advance our research.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.
Place of work:
Alnarp, Sweden

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

Project support:
Fully funded

Extent:
100%, full time

Starting date:
As soon as possible

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2024-01-15, 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.