Postdoctor in Behavioral Ecology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 55 900 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 in the Zoology-building at Medicinareberget. Temporary placement abroad (primarily in Australia) is part of the position.

Subject area
Animal Ecology

Subject area description
The postdoctoral position is in the subject of animal ecology, with a focus on evolutionary behavioral ecology. The research questions concern how a recently published definition of sexual selection affect the demarcation between natural and sexual selection, with a special focus on female mating competition, as well as evolution of female ornaments. Some sub-studies are planned to be conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of Western Australia, Australia, potentially also at the University of Idaho, USA.

Job assignments
The postdoctoral position aims to empirically explore the above-mentioned issues, experimentally and in comparative studies.

Tasks that are included and techniques that will be used within the project include field collection and experimental work with insects (Kawanaphila nartee), possibly also with fish (Pomatoschistus minutus). Literature studies are also included, where the data will be analyzed with meta-analytical techniques. Phylogenetic analysis may also be considered. A time period of 1-2 months per year will be spent in Western Australia. A shorter stay (approx. 2 weeks) may also be included, in Idaho, USA. In addition to experimental design, data collection and analysis, the writing of scientific articles is a very important task. Supervision of students and/or field assistants may also be included.

Eligibility
The applicant must hold a PhD degree in evolutionary behavioral ecology (or equivalent), or a foreign exam substantially equivalent to a PhD degree in the same subject. The PhD degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.

Preference will be given to candidates who have been awarded the degree no more than three years before the application deadline. Applicants with a degree awarded earlier may also be preferred if specific reasons exist. Such specific reasons may be a leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

Assessments
We are looking for a motivated researcher in the subject of animal ecology, with a special focus on evolutionary behavioral ecology.

Required for the employment is to be very well acquainted with evolutionary behavioral ecological theory, in particular sexual selection. Scientific publications on this topic are a requirement. Previous experience is also required of working empirically with animals (primarily insects and/or fish, preferably experimentally), own data collection and extensive experience of statistically analyzing quantitative data, substantiated with the help of scientific publications.

Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is a requirement as we work in an international environment. Good ability to write and publish scientific articles in well-ranked international scientific journals is a requirement, as are good collaboration skills, proven by reference letters from one or more previous co-authors.

It is an advantage to have experience in experimental design, and in comparative studies, in particular using meta-analytical or phylogenetic methods. Also published papers in topics related to female mating competition, evolution of female ornaments, or similar, will be considered meritorious.

Desirable is a pronounced interest in the issues in the project, experience of working internationally and experience of supervising students or field assistants. Driving license is not necessary.

The position placed in Gothenburg, but the applicant is expected to be willing and able to stay for periods of 1-2 months abroad, primarily in Australia, but possibly also in the US and at a marine field station in Sweden.

For more information and how to apply
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: 2022-03-28


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.