Postdoctoral Fellow in Sexual Selection and Epidemiology

Stockholms Universitet · Vollzeit

Zoologiska institutionen, Stockholm, Schweden

The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest departments at Stockholm University and has a long history of basic and applied research on animals, from arthropods to large mammals. The department is a dynamic research environment with approximately 80 employees, including tenured professors, researchers, doctoral students, and administrative staff. There are several research groups working on fish ecology, evolution and behavior, as well as sexual selection in other biological systems. More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology. Project Description The Department of Zoology at Stockholm University is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow for the project "EpiSex: The effects of sexual selection on epidemic outcomes". The project is funded through a Starting Grant from the European Research Council (ERC), awarded to Jessica Stephenson. The project aims to investigate two consequences of sexual selection for the development and dynamics of epidemics. First, infectious diseases spread through contact between individuals. Reproduction is an important driver of such contacts, as mate choice can influence which individuals interact and thus opportunities for parasite transmission. If individuals prefer partners with well-developed sexual ornaments, which generally indicate high parasite resistance, this may lead to reduced disease transmission. Second, individuals choosing partners with high resistance to parasite infection may gain indirect benefits through their offspring acquiring increased genetic resistance to parasites. If individuals consistently choose genetically resistant partners for reproduction, the population's genetic resistance to parasites can successively increase across generations, which in turn may have significant epidemiological consequences. The project will combine experimental epidemic studies in artificially selected guppy lines with AI-assisted behavioral tracking, mathematical modeling, and complementary laboratory experiments. The aim is to investigate how female mate choice affects epidemic dynamics and disease transmission. The postdoctoral fellow will have a leading role in the experimental work, data collection, and quantitative analyses, as well as contribute to international research collaborations. The position also offers the opportunity to conduct fieldwork in Trinidad. Duties The position is primarily focused on research. The postdoctoral fellow will work on establishing and further developing existing protocols for experimental epidemics and experimental design for application within the project. They will work with a team consisting of doctoral students, master's students, and research technicians to conduct experiments. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for and oversee the use of tracking software to extract behavioral data. Additionally, they will conduct breeding experiments and phenotypic analyses to understand the outcomes of sexual selection during epidemics. Beyond the project's core questions, there are several additional research directions that the postdoctoral fellow can develop depending on interest and expertise. Qualifications To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral fellow, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made. Evaluation Criteria It is meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent was completed at most three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade union organizations, service in the armed forces, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area. In the appointment, particular emphasis will be placed on scientific competence relevant to the project. Experience with demanding experiments with small fish—preferably guppy—as well as behavioral tracking data, quantification of sexual ornaments and behaviors, and development of new experimental designs is meritorious. Documented ability to use such data to answer current and significant questions in ecology and evolution is particularly meritorious. We are looking for someone who can synthesize ideas and data from different research fields, has strong statistical and computational competence (Python and R for use of tracking software and analysis of generated data), and has a publication record demonstrating high scientific competence in these areas. Excellent ability to communicate orally and in writing is also a requirement. About the Position The position is full-time and is permanent but initially limited to a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date by agreement. What We Offer With us, you get the dynamics of interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international setting and receive favorable terms. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city center. Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all. Contact Information about the position is provided by Jessica Stephenson, [email protected]. Application You apply for the position through Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and submitted to the university no later than the application deadline. Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: Applying for a position. Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.