Project assistant in Biology (PA2023/96)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 46 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Work duties
We are recruiting a project assistant with ornithological and parasitological experience for an upcoming field season in the HybridExpress research project, which studies the effects of hybridisation on gene expression. The aim of the field season is to establish a captive population of sparrows from their native populations in the Mediterranean. The project assistant will be required to independently conduct screening of the captured birds for parasites and infections and to instruct the other team members in the methods employed. Additionally, the project assistant will work with the rest of the field team in the pitching of mist nets, release of captured birds from the nets, recording morphological data, and any other of the diverse tasks which may arise in the field. 

The season will be month-long and cover four Mediterranean islands, the Italian mainland, and the Netherlands. Due to the unpredictable and intense work situation during such an ambitious field trip, the applicant must be prepared for an irregular work schedule and flexible working hours while abroad. Additionally, the applicant must prior to the start of the field season have the necessary VISAs/entry registrations/similar to enter France, Greece, Italy, Malta and the Netherlands pertaining to the applicant’s country of origin. These VISAs/entry registrations/similar must be valid over the whole course of the field season, with some further margin for flexibility.

Once returned to Sweden, the project assistant will aid in quarantining and acclimatising the birds to their new environment. 

Qualifications 

• Extensive experience in field work with birds
• In-depth knowledge of screening avian blood and fecal samples for parasites/infections
• Experience in qPCR
• Valid driver’s license

 Other merits

• PhD in biology with focus on parasitology or a similar subject
• Experience of field work in non-nordic countries
• Proficiency in English, especially oral communication skills
• Personal flexibility 

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to the applicant’s suitability in the field team, collaborative skills.

Terms of employment
Fixed-time employment, full-time, starting 2023-03-01 and ending 2023-04-30.

Contact person: Anna Runemark, [email protected]

Instructions on how to apply
Applications should include a cover letter (max 1 page) stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications. The application should also contain a CV (max 1 page), degree certificate or equivalent, two references (phone and email) and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.).