Lund University is offering a scholarship position for a Researcher in Chemical Ecology to work on a project focused on the function and evolution of chemosensory receptor genes. The project aims at studying the molecular and neural mechanisms of how different species of arthropods smell and taste, with a focus on ticks, spiders, and insects. The selected candidate will be hosted by Dr. Dan-Dan Zhang and Prof. Christer Löfstedt in the Pheromone Group, supported by the Crafoord Foundation and the Max Planck Center on Next Generation Insect Chemical Ecology (nGICE). The position is full-time and temporary, with a duration of one year and a possibility of extension depending on future funding.
Study Area: The Researcher in Chemical Ecology scholarship position is focused on research within a project on the function and evolution of chemosensory receptor genes in arthropods, including ticks, spiders, and insects.
| Title | Researcher in Chemical Ecology |
|---|---|
| Study Area | Molecular and neural mechanisms of how different species of arthropods smell and taste, including ticks, spiders, and insects |
| Work Duties | Identify candidate chemosensory receptor genes from genomic and transcriptomic data, compare expression levels of gene candidates, molecular cloning and functional characterization of candidate receptors in heterologous systems (mainly two-electrode voltage clamp recordings (TEVC) from oocytes of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis) |
| Qualification Requirements | PhD or equivalent research qualification within molecular biology/neurobiology, very good oral and written proficiency in English, strong skills in bioinformatic analysis and documented experience with molecular biological studies of chemosensory receptors and heterologous expression systems (preferably Xenopus oocytes and activity recording with TEVC), interest in chemical communication in general and in evolutionary biology, good communication and collaborative skills |
| Assessment Criteria | Research qualifications, publication record in functional characterization and evolutionary analysis of chemosensory receptor genes, experience working with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or electrophysiological recordings such as single sensillum recording (SSR), good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the research environment |
| Type of Employment | Temporary position |
| Contract Type | Full-time |
| First Day of Employment | As soon as possible according to agreement |
| Salary | Monthly salary |
| Number of Positions | 1 |
| Full-time Equivalent | 100 |
| City | Lund |
| County | Skåne län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference Number | PA2023/337 |
| Contact | Dr Dan-Dan Zhang, dan-dan.zhang@biol.lu.se |
| Union Representative | OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362, SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se, SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366 |
| Published | 07.Feb.2023 |
| Last Application Date | 31.Mar.2023 11:59 PM CEST |
Scholarship Description: The selected candidate will have the opportunity to work on a project that aims to study the molecular and neural mechanisms of how different species of arthropods smell and taste. The project’s ultimate goal is to develop novel strategies for controlling pests and disease vectors. The candidate will work with Dr. Dan-Dan Zhang and Prof. Christer Löfstedt in the Pheromone Group, which is supported by the Crafoord Foundation and the Max Planck Center on Next Generation Insect Chemical Ecology (nGICE). The main duties of the researcher will include identifying candidate chemosensory receptor genes from genomic and transcriptomic data, comparing the expression levels of gene candidates, molecular cloning, and functional characterization of candidate receptors in heterologous systems.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent research qualification within molecular biology/neurobiology, very good oral and written proficiency in English, and strong skills in bioinformatic analysis. The candidate should have documented experience with molecular biological studies of chemosensory receptors and heterologous expression systems (preferably Xenopus oocytes and activity recording with TEVC). Additionally, interest in chemical communication in general and evolutionary biology, good communication and collaborative skills, and experience working with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or electrophysiological recordings such as single sensillum recording (SSR) will be considered strengths. Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Required Documents: Applicants must submit a résumé/CV, including a list of publications, a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages), contact information of at least two references, and a copy of the doctoral degree certificate and other certificates/grades that they wish to be considered.
How to Apply: Applications must be written in English and compiled into a PDF-file containing the required documents. Applicants should send their applications to Dr. Dan-Dan Zhang (dan-dan.zhang@biol.lu.se) before the last application date of March 31, 2023, 11:59 PM CEST.
Last Date: The last date to apply for the Researcher in Chemical Ecology scholarship position at Lund University is March 31, 2023, 11:59 PM CEST.
