Postdoctoral Researcher in Biology

Description

Due to the postdoctoral appointment’s nature as a career-development position for junior researchers, the target group for this ad is candidates who have completed the degree no more than three years before the application deadline. We seek a postdoctoral researcher with interest and expertise in evolutionary ecology, and especially the evolution of sexual dimorphism and related questions.  Within this general area two specific projects are available for a postdoc in our group: 1) using quantitative genetics and experimental evolution in fruit flies to understand how sexual dimorphism in ecologically important traits, such as diet and nutrition evolves, working closely in collaboration with PhD student(s), or 2) phylogenetic comparative methods / meta-analysis to understand how evolution of sexual dimorphism has influenced both deep time lineage diversification across the metazoans, and/or contemporary patterns of demography in wild populations.   Both potential projects would be conducted in close collaboration with main supervisor Stephen De Lisle.  There is substantial scope to develop either of the above projects to suit the interests and expertise of the candidate or take the project in an alternative direction of mutual interest.  

This position represents an opportunity to be part of a growing area of research strength in evolution and evolutionary ecology at Karlstad University, that complements existing established strengths in applied aquatic ecology. 

Duties

The candidate is expected to take a leading role in research, which will include experimental design (in collaboration with others), data collection, analysis, as well as writing and presenting results at international and national conferences.

The candidate will be expected to be able to work both independently but also collaboratively, which will include leading others in the lab/field as well as being part of a growing research group. 

Although this position is 100% research focused, there is opportunity for an interested candidate to gain some teaching experience as well (up to 20%), at the bachelor´s or master’s level. There is also opportunity to supervise student thesis projects related to the candidate’s research. 

You are expected to collaborate with the wider community for a mutual exchange, as well as work towards ensuring that the knowledge and expertise available at the university is of benefit to society.
In order to contribute to a positive working environment and help further the subject’s activities, we expect you to be a present and active part of the day-to-day operations and workplace community.

Qualification requirements

To be eligible for the postdoctoral appointment, applicants are required to hold a PhD in a relevant area of ecology or evolutionary biology, or have equivalent qualifications achieved abroad. The PhD must be completed before a decision to appoint an applicant is made. The candidate must have completed the degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

The candidate must be proficient in English, with demonstrated English scientific writing ability.

Qualifications obtained earlier may be considered if there are special grounds, such as sick leave, parental leave, clinical service, service as a union representative, military service or similar, or service/assignment of relevance to the appointment.

Assessment criteria

Special weight will be given to demonstrated ability to lead and complete research projects, as reflected in published peer reviewed research articles and submitted manuscripts.   

Considerable weight will be given to demonstrated ability to work both independently, as well as collaboratively.      

Weight will be given to relevant experience, which includes relevant laboratory and/or quantitative skills. International work experience or participation in national and international networks will also be given weight. 

Valuable qualifications

• Teaching awards.
• Completed course in higher education pedagogy.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Experience in collaborating with the wider society and communicating research and development work.
• Language skills in Swedish.

Terms

The employment is a fixed-term position for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. The desired start date is September 2025 or as agreed upon.

Application

Submit the application via the university’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi. For advice on how to draft your application, refer to “What should be included with my application?”
Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• CV
• cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position and elaborating on which of the potential projects the applicant is most interested in, and what skills / interests / expertise they would bring to the project.
• a list of publications (in multi-authored publications, the role of the applicant must be specified)
• copies of relevant transcripts or degree certificates
• copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
• contact information for two references, at least one of which is a current or former supervisor

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Documents that cannot be submitted electronically, such as books or publications, should be sent to:

Karlstads universitet
HR-administrator
651 88 Karlstad

State the ref.no: REK2025/117

Application deadline: 2025-06-15

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.