Researcher in Evolutionary Biology

Lunds Universitet · Full-time

Kontaktvägen 10, Lund, Sweden

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked among the world's leading academic institutions. With approximately 46,000 students and 8,500 employees across Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö, we are united in our mission to understand, explain, and improve our world and people's conditions. Subject Description About the research group: Research activities are conducted at the Division of Biodiversity and Evolution at the Department of Biology, Lund University. For more information, see https://portal.research.lu.se/sv/persons/hwei-yen-chen/. We actively work to maintain a work environment characterized by mutual respect and consideration. We strive to offer a stimulating workplace with excellent opportunities for professional development. We continuously work to create conditions that promote job satisfaction and active participation. We place great emphasis on both physical safety and a good psychosocial work environment. Project Description The project aims to investigate host-microorganism interactions in nematodes of the genus Caenorhabditis and their bacterial partners, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms mediating these interactions. Caenorhabditis nematodes feed on bacteria and have close interactions with microbial communities in their natural environments. A recently published preprint from our research group showed that these interactions may potentially influence the evolutionary trajectories of nematodes. However, this phenomenon does not appear to be universal, at least not within the C. elegans group, but seems to depend on nematode species and possibly also on which bacterial species or strains are involved. The project therefore aims to characterize species-specific interactions between nematodes and their bacterial partners. A particularly interesting aspect of the project is how nematodes and bacteria communicate with each other. Job Responsibilities As a researcher, you will conduct experimental laboratory work and be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of nematode and bacterial cultures within the project. You will play an active role in developing, planning, conducting, and coordinating research tasks. You will be responsible for data and sample collection as well as analysis, interpretation, and communication of research results. Job responsibilities also include managing daily laboratory routines, such as maintaining laboratory records, managing consumable materials, and booking laboratory equipment. You are also expected to actively contribute to the development of relevant scientific publications and national and international research applications. Qualifications Doctoral degree or equivalent research merits in evolutionary biology. Very good ability to communicate scientific research orally and in writing in English. Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others. Ability to plan, conduct, and coordinate research projects. Documented experience working with various species of Caenorhabditis nematodes. Documented experience culturing bacteria. Documented experience publishing scientific research in international peer-reviewed journals. Ability to initiate and develop new research questions. Pedagogical competence. Assessment Criteria and Additional Merits Experience with experimental laboratory work in molecular biology. Scientific achievements and distinctions demonstrating scientific excellence. In the assessment, great weight will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive and independence, as well as how the applicant's experiences and competencies complement and strengthen the ongoing research at the department and how the applicant can contribute to its future development. Employment Terms The position is a fixed-term appointment for five months. Planned start date October 1, 2026, or by agreement. The position is a part-time role and work is performed on-site in Lund, Sweden. Type of Employment: Fixed-term contract for 5 months Employment Level: Part-time (80%) Start Date: Preliminary October 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027 Application Instructions Applications must be written in English and compiled in a PDF file containing: A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and how it matches your qualifications (max 1 page), CV A publication list, Copy of doctoral degree certificate and any other certificates/grades you wish to include. At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in astronomy, biology, physics, geosciences, chemistry, mathematics, medical radiation physics, environmental science, and physical geography. Activities are conducted in the northern university area. The Faculty has approximately 1,900 students, 330 doctoral students, and 730 employees. We decline all contacts from advertising sales companies, recruitment and staffing firms due to government procurement regulations.