Lund University invites applications for a fully-funded doctoral position (PhD studentship) in Biology with a specialized focus on Invertebrate Colour Vision. This position is based in the Bok Lab within the internationally recognized Lund Vision Group at the Faculty of Science in Lund, Sweden.
Position Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position / Designation | Doctoral Student (PhD Position) |
| Research Area | Biology, Visual Ecology, Invertebrate Neurobiology & Behaviour |
| Institution | Lund University, Faculty of Science (Department of Biology) |
| Research Group | Bok Lab / Lund Vision Group |
| Location | Lund, Sweden (with fieldwork in Italy and Japan) |
| Employment Type | Full-time temporary employment (4 years) |
| Remuneration | Monthly salary according to doctoral student wage scale |
| Reference Number | PA2026/3057 |
| Application Deadline | 24 November 2026 |
Designation and Research Area
Designation: Doctoral Student (PhD Researcher)
Research Area: Invertebrate Colour Vision, Sensory Biology, Visual Ecology, Comparative Neurobiology, and Marine Evolutionary Biology.
Location
The position is located at the Department of Biology, Lund University, in Lund, Skåne, Sweden. The project also entails international fieldwork at specialized marine stations in Italy and Japan.
Scholarship and Project Description
As a doctoral student, you will be employed by Lund University and enrolled in third-cycle (doctoral) education leading to a PhD degree. You will be part of the Bok Lab, which investigates the evolution and ecology of vision in non-standard invertebrate systems. The lab operates within the Lund Vision Group, a collaborative cluster of eight research laboratories focused on visual science across the animal kingdom.
Project Background and Objectives:
True colour vision is conclusively established in only two animal phyla: vertebrates and arthropods. However, potential colour vision specializations exist in exceptional deep-water and midwater marine organisms, such as the firefly squid (a mollusc) and the alciopid worm (an annelid). This project aims to discover whether these marine invertebrates have convergently evolved colour vision, what visual processing circuits they use, and which ecological behaviours are mediated by colour perception.
Key Duties:
- Behavioural Experiments: Conduct field and laboratory visual testing using custom multi-modal light and polarization setups at field stations in Italy and Japan.
- Molecular Mapping: Utilize single-nucleolus transcriptomic data to map distinct photoreceptor and visual interneuron classes in retinal and optic lobe tissue.
- Connectomics & Electrophysiology: Apply serial block-face electron microscopy (SBEM) to reconstruct neural circuits and combine these data with electrophysiological recordings of visual neurons.
- Teaching and Outreach: Up to 20% of your time may involve undergraduate teaching and departmental activities.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To qualify for admission and employment, candidates must meet both general and specific entry criteria:
General and Specific Academic Requirements:
- Awarded a second-cycle (Master’s level) degree in biology, marine biology, or a related discipline, or completed courses worth at least 240 ECTS credits (including at least 60 credits at the advanced/second-cycle level).
- Completed an independent research project/thesis comprising at least 30 credits in a relevant subject area.
- Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in English.
Essential Technical Qualifications:
- Practical experimental experience with animal vision and behavioural assays.
- Prior experience carrying out fieldwork-based marine or biological research.
- Strong self-motivation, independence, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset.
Desirable Skills:
- Familiarity with sensory biology, visual ecology, neuroanatomy, or electrophysiology.
- Working knowledge of programming and statistical environments (Python, MATLAB, or R).
- Strong enthusiasm for scientific communication and public outreach.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted in English via the Lund University recruitment portal. Your application must include the following documentation:
- Cover Letter / Personal Statement: A detailed motivation letter explaining why you are interested in this specific PhD project and how your skills and background align with the research aims.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic history, laboratory experience, publications, and technical skills.
- Academic Certificates & Diplomas: Official copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and academic transcripts.
- References and Supporting Documents: Contact information for 2–3 academic referees and any letters of recommendation or thesis copies.
Last Date for Application
The closing date for applications is 24 November 2026.
Application Link
Interested candidates can review the full notice and submit their application through the official recruitment portal:
Apply Here: Doctoral Student in Biology (Invertebrate Colour Vision) at Lund University
