Researcher in Evolutionary Ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A position as a postdoctoral fellow in evolutionary ecology is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, division of Animal Ecology.

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.

Project description
Climate change is altering demography and distribution ranges of insect pests that impact agriculture and cause severe socio-economic losses. Forecasting of insect pests’ responses to future climates is therefore a fundamental task for biologists. Two major knowledge-gaps hamper current forecasting; i) poor mechanistic understanding of how thermal niches of insect pests evolve, and ii) a lack of accounting for differences in founding genetic variation among natural populations. This project aims to help fill these gaps by taking advantage of an experiment applying long-term laboratory evolution (>10 years) in a cosmopolitan pest on legume crops, the beetle Callosobruchus maculatus. The successful candidate will assess the roles of founding genetic variation and mechanistic trade-offs in shaping thermal niche evolution by censusing the repeatability of temperature adaptation in key genetic pathways and core life history traits that have fundamental impact on the agricultural footprint left by insect pests. Thermal adaptation’s impact on agriculture will be evaluated by incorporating this data-derived mechanistic framework into state-of-the-art species distribution models that project future agricultural impacts under climate change.

Duties
Analyze thermal reaction norms for several life-history traits. Quantify temperature-specific genetic variation and evolution in these phenotypes using quantitative genetic breeding designs. Apply these results to spatio-temporal climate models incorporating evolution to i) predict insect pest distributions under future climate change and ii) evaluate the importance of evolutionary processes for the accuracy of forecasting. 

Qualifications required
PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in evolutionary ecology. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Competitive candidates will have aptitude for data analysis and have worked extensively with analysing phenotypic data within a framework of thermal adaptation in insects. They will also have a good grasp of life history theory and experience working with climate datasets.

Candidates must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken as well as written English.

We attach great importance to personal qualities such as working and collaborating in larger groups, both nationally and internationally. Curiosity and the ability to work independently and taking own initiatives to solve problems are also qualities that will be important for the completion of the project.   

Qualifications desired
Estimating thermal performance curves/thermal reaction norms combined with climate datasets used to predict insect species’ distributions. Outstanding analytical skills and solid experience working in the R statistical and computational environment. Proven ability to draft their own scientific publications and to lead their own research projects.

About the employment
Temporary position for 24 months, with a possibility to an extension up to a maximum of 36 months, according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment: full-time. Starting date 2024-02-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact
Dr. David Berger, david.berger@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 26 62.

Application instructions
The application should include 1) a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to work as a postdoctoral fellow and why you are suitable for the position, 2) a 2-page CV including a short description of your education, 3) a copy of your PhD degree, your grades and a copy of your thesis, 4) name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.), 5) relevant publications. The application should be written in English.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than November 30, 2023. UFV-PA 2023/4046.

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