Postdoctoral Researcher in Zoological Research

The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest departments at Stockholm University with a long history of fundamental and applied animal research, from invertebrates to large mammals.

The department is a dynamic research environment with about 80 researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff working at the department. There are several groups working on fish ecology, evolution, and behavior. More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology (https://www.su.se/zoologiska-institutionen/).

Project Description

The Department of Zoology is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher to work on the project “Dynamic interactions between host social behavior and parasite virulence.” The project is funded by the Wallenberg Academy Fellowship and the National Science Foundation (USA) awarded to Stephenson Lab (https://stephensonlab.com/), which will move to the department in July 2025.

The position is part of a larger research project aimed at providing integrated theoretical and empirical tests of dynamic interactions between host social behavior, parasite transmission, and virulence development. Using a small fish – guppy – and its parasites, we have conducted experimental epidemics in host populations that differ in social behavior. Phenotypic and genomic data from this large-scale experiment, along with groundbreaking mathematical models, will generate refined theoretical predictions that we will test in natural populations in Trinidad. Using experiments, our model, and field trials, we will test how host social behavior: 1) shapes the size and structure of parasite populations; 2) drives parasite virulence development; 3) responds to an outbreak to slow its spread. This integrated approach is essential and will identify and evaluate general ecological and evolutionary mechanisms through which host social behavior and parasite virulence interact across systems and has significant relevance for managing infectious diseases in various species, including humans.

The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate with other members of the project group, primarily at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas at El Paso, and University of California, Berkeley.

Responsibilities

Initially, the work will consist of analyzing existing data from experimental epidemics of the parasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli in groups of guppies Poecilia reticulata from Trinidad. This data includes time series of parasites and social interactions from individually identified fish during the course of the epidemics. Other data includes microbiome samples, female reproductive status, and male ornamentation. There is room to develop additional research questions within the project, and potential to conduct further experimental epidemics, experimental infections, mathematical modeling, and/or fieldwork to test questions arising from the analyses.

Eligibility Requirements

A postdoctoral researcher is defined as a worker primarily employed for research who has obtained a doctoral degree or has a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree.

Assessment Criteria

The degree must be obtained no later than when the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in civil defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area.

In the appointment, particular importance will be attached to scientific competence in knowledge relevant to this project. The ideal candidate has excellent computational skills, extensive training in social network analysis, the ability to synthesize ideas and data from various research fields, and has publications demonstrating these skills. Given the international collaborations that the project entails, excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

About the Employment

The position is full-time and is permanent, but for at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date summer - fall 2025 or by agreement.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Jessica Stephenson, jess.stephenson@zoologi.su.se (mailto:jess.stephenson@zoologi.su.se).

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the documents requested in the application form. You as the applicant are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it is received by the university no later than the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: Instructions for applicants (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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