Researcher in Zoology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical Garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Project description
The ECCO project studies evolutionary ecology and mechanisms of avian coloration, currently focusing on physiology and genetics and of carotenoid metabolism in African weaverbirds. Based on an existing collection of feathers, blood and other tissues, immediate questions concern seasonal, sexual and individual variation in circulating dietary and derived carotenoids in two Euplectes species with different type and extent of ornamental plumage coloration. Carotenoid profiles and concentrations are analyzed in relation to intra- and interspecific color (reflectance) and morphometric data, as well as comparative genetics of carotenoid metabolism studied by international collaborators.

Duties 
The main assignments are 1) organic extraction, sample preparation and qualitative and quantitative HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) analyses of carotenoids and retinoids in avian blood and feather samples, 2) statistical exploration and analyses of HPLC results in relation to reflectance colorimetrics, morphometrics and other data collected in the project, 3) coordinating and co-authoring manuscript.

Qualifications 
To be eligible for employment as a researcher, the applicant must have a PhD exam in a relevant subject (e.g. evolutionary and lab-oriented molecular ecology, behavioral ecology, zoology or zoophysiology) as outlined in the advertisement. The exam must be finished before closing date for this announcement.

We are seeking a motivated and lab-oriented zoologist/biologist, with interest and experience in evolutionary and behavioral ecology theory and hypothesis-testing.

Required: 1) Lab skills and experience in some area of molecular ecology, genetics or physiology, 2) Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, 3) Strong skills in data-handling and biostatistics.

Beneficial: Knowledge and experience in organic chemistry and HPLC; chromatographic analysis; understanding reflectance spectrometry and colorimetry; knowledge of animal carotenoid biochemistry and physiology; knowledge and interest in avian behavioral ecology.

The application should preferably be written in English and must include:


• A cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
• A list of qualifications (CV)
• Certificate of PhD exam and other educations of relevance
• Complete list of publications, including submitted and accepted manuscripts
• Employments certificates and other documents deemed important by the applicant

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed by Zoom.

Employment 
This is a fixed-term employment for two months, 80%, starting date/as soon as possible or upon agreement. 

Contact information for the post 
Staffan Andersson, professor
Phone: +46-708641959
Email: staffan.andersson@bioenv.gu.se

Webpage: https://www.gu.se/en/research/evolution-of-colour-communication-ecco

Henrik Aronsson, Professor and Head of Department
Phone: +46 31 786 48 02
Email: henrik.aronsson@bioenv.gu.se

Unions 
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 
To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

Applications must be received by: April 15th, 2022 


The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.