Doctoral student in Natural Science, specialising in Biology

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.

Doctoral position in Natural Science, specialising in Biology    

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 Medicinarberget.  

Project description - Improving welfare of crustaceans
Humane slaughter of animals is a priority for all animals used for food. Recent evidence demonstrates that decapod crustaceans (lobsters, crabs, shrimps and prawns) may experience pain and as such should be stunned to render them unconscious before killing. However, there is limited information on the extent to which these animals process pain and further what methods can be used to stun them humanely. Therefore, the proposed project aims to:


• Identify if pain receptors exist in crustaceans by using electrophysiology.
• Determine whether decapods are willing to pay a cost to access pain relief, a key criterion in the definition of animal pain, assessed by behavioural experiments.
• Identify the most effective and humane stunning methods exploring the duration of unconsciousness and if central nervous processing is disrupted affecting subsequent memory retrieval.
• Monitor indicators of stress and also how muscle quality is affected by stunning.

The findings will provides a the knowledge needed to develop best practice guidelines for a variety of commercially valuable crustacean species in fisheries, aquaculture, on-land processing and in restaurants thus safeguarding the welfare of crabs, lobsters, shrimps and prawns.

The Ph.D will be situated in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences under the supervision of Dr Lynne Sneddon, Professor Kristina Sundell and Dr Albin Gräns (SLU- the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). The position will involve overseas travel. The project is largely experimental using techniques in electrophysiology, stress physiology and animal behavior in a laboratory setting and in the field.

Duties   
The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodology experience, analytical skills, and theoretical depth and breadth. Techniques used within the project include measurements of stress physiology, electrophysiology and behaviours. The studies will be conducted mostly as laboratory studies but there will also be field visits to measure stunning on farms, boats or at processing plants and public outreach events. Shorter periods may also be spent as laboratory work in Portugal or another country. Specific research topics associated with the research project include animal welfare, pain, and humane slaughter.

Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.    

As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.  

Assessment criteria   
The selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the education at third-cycle level. We are seeking a motivated person for PhD studies in animal biology with emphasis on animal welfare, behaviour, neurobiology and stress physiology. 

The candidate should have a Masters level degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area and have experience in one of the following techniques: aquatic animal behaviour, physiology or electrophysiology. The ability to solve problems using your own initiative as well as working well within a team are essential. Driving license is an advantage.

Excellent communication skills, written and spoken, in English are necessary since we work in an international environment.

Experience in more than one of the above techniques would be an advantage as would experience using crustacean models.

Specialisation within the neurobiological and physiological mechanisms of animal behaviour and welfare and experience of behavioural and physiological techniques highly desirable.

Basic knowledge in aquatic animal husbandry is a merit.  

For more information and how to apply    
You can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal. 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 4, 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.