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The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest departments at Stockholm University and has a long history of basic and applied animal research, from arthropods to large mammals. The department is a dynamic research environment and consists of approximately 80 employees, including professors, researchers, doctoral students and administrative staff. There are several research groups working on fish ecology, evolution and behavior, as well as population genetics and evolutionary genomics.
More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology.
Project description
The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the project “Dynamic interactions between host social behavior and parasite virulence”. The project is funded through a Wallenberg Academy Fellowship awarded to Jessica Stephenson.
The position is part of a larger research project that aims to provide integrated theoretical and empirical tests of the dynamic interactions between host social behavior, parasite transmission, and virulence evolution. The postdoc will use existing data on directly transmitted gyrodactylid parasites, guppies, and localities in northern Trinidad to test how river structure, host community composition, parasite host spectrum, and host social behavior interact to shape the structure and evolutionary potential of parasite populations. Other existing datasets may enable further studies, for example of the fish or environmental microbiome, and how population genomic structure influences the virulence phenotype of the parasite.
The postdoctoral fellow will work in close collaboration with Mary Janecka at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and with research groups at the Department of Zoology with strong expertise in population genetics and evolutionary genomics.
Job duties
Postdoctoral positions are primarily research-oriented. The postdoctoral fellow will work on the analysis of existing SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) data from two parasite species from multiple locations in Trinidad. Questions that these data can be used to answer include:
- How does the parasite’s host spectrum (generalist vs. specialist) affect how parasite populations are structured across different host communities?
- How does the complexity of the river network affect the structure of parasite populations?
- How does host behavior affect the structure of parasite populations?
In addition to these core questions, there are several additional research directions that the postdoctoral fellow can develop depending on interest and expertise.
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent to the relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made.
Assessment criteria
It is considered meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent has been completed no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, a previously completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.
In the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on scientific expertise. Ideal candidates have experience working with challenging genomic data, such as data from parasites, other very small organisms or faecal samples. Experience using such data to understand population dynamics, species interactions and/or complex reproductive strategies (e.g. clonal reproduction) is highly desirable. We are also looking for someone with the ability to synthesize ideas and data across different fields, including landscape and riverine genomics, and a strong publication record that demonstrates these skills. Very good written and oral communication skills are required.
About the employment
The position is full-time and is valid until further notice, however, for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Entry into force in spring/summer 2026 or by agreement.
We offer
With us you get the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.
Contact
Information about the position is provided by Jessica Stephenson, jess.stephenson@zoologi.su.se.
Application
You apply for the position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As the applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.
Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job.
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