Postdoc within the field of Predicting the Abundance and Controlling Arthropod Pests in a Changing World (2021-224-03732)

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, a position as Postdoc working with predicting the abundance and controlling arthropod pests in a changing world, is open for appointment from January 1., 2022 or soon hereafter. The position is for a periode of three years. The position is located within the Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology research group, with primary working place in Aalborg, Denmark.

The Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology research group (https://www.en.bio.aau.dk/research/biodiversity-and-evolutionary-biology/ ) has a strong focus on studying adaptation and resistance to environmental stress and predicting future distributions of arthropods. The post-doc is expected to join the establishment of a research program on novel solutions to predict abundance of and control arthropod pests in a changing world.

Our ambition with this project is to undertake blue-sky research enabling prediction of pest species distribution and abundance and develop novel approaches that can be used to control them. We will do this by developing mechanistic species distribution models that incorporate evolutionary responses. Further, we will develop novel technology using microbes living in arthropod pests to control them and their ability to cause damage and spread diseases.

It is now recognized that arthropod microbes affect the host in critical ways, i.e. controlling reproduction, environmental responses, host fitness, ability of hosts to carry diseases, and chemical responses. Following on from a highly successful initiative against tropical arthropod vectors of human disease, we now propose a related effort to control arthropod pests spread by them. Our target is a range of strategies that can replace pesticide applications and aim to get deeper insight into the importance of microbes for host fitness.

The post doc is expected to bring a strong expertise in species distribution modelling and knowhow on evolutionary genetics, microbiology and the use of endosymbionts in targeting insects.

The work will be done in close cooperation with Principal Investigator (PI) Ary A. Hoffmann from Melbourne University, Australia (Ary is part time affiliated with Aalborg University) and co-PI Torsten Nygård Kristensen, Aalborg University, Denmark. The project will primarily be conducted at Aalborg University but extended visits to Melbourne University should be expected. The world class sequencing facilities available at Aalborg University enabling microbe detection and monitoring, strong invertebrate and microbial culture expertise combined with the expertise, experience and networks represented by the supervisors makes this an exciting possibility for a talented young scientist.    

The application must be in English and include a letter of interest, a CV, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans in the framework of the above research project, and information about current research activities and teaching qualifications.

For further information about the project, please contact Professor Ary A. Hoffmann by mail: [email protected] or phone +61 383442282 or Professor Torsten Nygård Kristensen by mail: [email protected]   or phone: +45 61463375.

Qualification requirements: 

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact Lone Lund by mail [email protected] or phone (+45) 9940 3494.

Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seen here  

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.   

2021-224-03732

10/10/2021