Postdoctoral Researcher in Biology

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and perseverance. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. We are located in an active and scenic region and we promote sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider society.
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 17,300 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
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Due to the postdoctoral appointment’s nature as a career-development position for junior researchers, the target group for this ad are 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. The candidate will be involved in research focused on both basic and applied questions in evolutionary ecology, using insects as a model system.  Specifically, the candidate will be involved, and take a leading role in, studies of local adaptation in damselflies, using experimental approaches in the field and lab.  Although the candidate will be expected to be involved in ongoing projects related to the above, there is considerable scope for the candidate to develop the project in directions that align with their interest and expertise.  This includes the possibility, for example, for the candidate to develop meta-analytic, theoretical, or empirical projects related to outstanding questions on adaptation.  Ample funding for running costs, conference travel, and salary are in place for at least three years. For examples of the types of research the candidate will be involved in, see:  https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13953 , https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2021.0278 , https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2017.0415 , https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14140

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

The candidate is expected to take a leading role in research, which will include experimental design (in collaboration with others), data collection including local field work, 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 field and lab 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 bachelors 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.

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.

Candidate must be proficient in English and Swedish, with demonstrated English scientific writing ability. If the applicant lacks proficiency in Swedish, the person needs the ability to acquire these skills within two years.

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.

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 field experience with odonates or other insects, relevant laboratory skills, and 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
• Drivers License
• Experience in collaborating with the wider society and communicating research and development work.

Fixed-term full-time employment lasting 3 years and starting at the earliest convenience, with a preference for September 2024.

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,
• a list of publications (in multi-authored publications, the role of the applicant must be specified)
• copies of relevant transcripts, degree certificates, certificates to corroborate previous employment, and letters of recommendation
• copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
• language proficiency certificates
• 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
Hanna Ljungdahl
651 88 Karlstad

State the ref.no: REK2024/78

Application deadline: 2024-05-26

We look forward to your application!

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