Postdoctoral Researcher position in sexual selection and epidemiology

Project description

The Zoology Department at Stockholm University is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on the project “EpiSex: The effects of sexual selection on epidemic outcomes”. This project is funded through a European Research Council Starting Grant awarded to Jessica Stephenson.

This postdoctoral position will explore two implications of sexual selection for epidemics. First, infectious diseases spread when individuals contact each other. Reproduction is a major driver of contact: mate preferences should affect who contacts whom, and thus parasite transmission opportunity. If choosers prefer mates with high-quality ornaments, which generally indicate parasite resistance, then transmission should slow. Second, choosers selecting mates that resist parasite infection may benefit indirectly as this increases the parasite resistance of their offspring. If choosers consistently produce offspring with the most genetically resistant mates, population-level parasite resistance should increase through generations, again with epidemiological implications.

The project will combine experimental epidemics in artificial selection lines of guppies, AI-assisted behavioural tracking, mathematical modelling, and further laboratory experiments to examine how female mate choice influences epidemic dynamics. The postdoctor will take a leading role in experimental work, data collection and quantitative analyses and will contribute to international collaborations. There is also the potential to conduct fieldwork in Trinidad.

Main responsibilities

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. The postdoctor will work to establish and improve upon existing experimental epidemic protocols and experimental design for application to this project. They will work with a team comprising PhD students, Masters students, and research technicians to conduct experiments. They will manage and oversee the use of tracking software to extract behavioural data. They will additionally implement breeding experiments and phenotyping assays to understand the outcome of sexual selection during epidemics. Beyond the core questions, there are several additional directions the postdoctor could develop, depending on their interest and expertise.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills relevant to this project. Ideal candidates will have experience working with challenging experiments using small fish – ideally guppies – and behavioural tracking data, quantification of sexual ornaments and behaviour, and designing novel set-ups for such experiments. If you have the demonstrated ability to use such data to address outstanding and important questions in ecology and evolution, this is a huge plus. We are looking for someone with the ability to synthesise ideas and data across fields, strong statistical and computational (Python and R for using the tracking software and data produced) abilities, and a publication record demonstrating excellence in these key skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills are also essential.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date in spring of 2027 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Jessica Stephenson, jess.stephenson@zoologi.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

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