The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest departments at Stockholm University with a long history of basic and applied research of animal species, from arthropods to large mammals. The Department is a dynamic research environment and consists of 16 permanent Professor positions and c. 100 staff including c. 40 PhD students. The Department has a long history of research on butterflies and their evolutionary history.

Project description
The position will be located within the lab of Christopher W. Wheat, focused upon understanding the genetic basis of an alternative reproductive strategy via our ability to manipulate it using CRISPR/Cas9. Our goals are to identify what causes apparent allocation tradeoffs between genetically determined alternative strategies, whether a single or multiple genetic loci cause the strategies, and what determines the relative frequency of the strategies across species. This position is part of a well funded research grant from the Swedish Research Council. This work builds upon the findings from Tunström et al. “Evidence for a Single, Ancient Origin of a Genus-Wide Alternative Life History Strategy.” Science Advances (2023) https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abq3713.

Main responsibilities
Butterfly field collections and field work in Spain (Europe), lab rearing of butterflies (butterfly husbandry), followed by design and use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockous, followed by detailed life history investigation of resource allocation and assessment of chromosomal dynamics upon gene expression. The ability to write up of the findings for high impact publications.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons 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 and documentation of publications. We are looking for someone experienced several of the following fields: butterfly husbandry, use of CRISPR/Cas9, measurements of life-history, use of various whole genome sequencing techlogies and molecular biology (e.g. DNA/RNA isolation, ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, HiC, histology). A background in computational bioinformatics is also desired. Expereince in the field of EvoDevo is also a plus.

Terms of 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 – Summer of 2024 or as per agreement.

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 the Professor Christopher W. Wheat, telephone: +46 721 9585, chris.wheat@zoologi.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. 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.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Deadline: 2024-03-01 at 23:59
Unit: Social Sciences/Economics

Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.