Postdoctoral Researcher in Ethology Focused on Play Behavior in Chickens

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Your Responsibilities

In this project, you will work on research regarding the function of play behavior using chickens as model animals. The function will be studied at both the behavioral level and its impact on brain development. The project will particularly clarify functions at the synapse level in the cerebellum.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will primarily conduct research. Teaching may also be included in your duties, but no more than one-fifth of your working time.

Your Qualifications

To be eligible for the position of postdoctoral researcher, you must have a PhD or an equivalent foreign degree assessed to be equivalent to a PhD. Your degree must have been awarded no later than at the time the employment decision is made.

It is advantageous if your degree was awarded no more than three years before the application deadline for this position. If there are special reasons, those who have obtained their PhD earlier may also be considered, for example, due to various types of statutory leave.

You must have a PhD in ethology. In addition to solid experience in ethological studies, you should have prior experience working with brain analyses, both with dissection and neurobiological methods. Considerable weight will be given to previous experience in both ethological and neurobiological methodologies during the selection process.

You should have good knowledge of English, which is the working language in the department. We also believe that you have a good ability to write scientific texts in English and to present your results orally at conferences and seminars, in both Swedish and English.

You are an independent researcher with good social skills who can collaborate with others in the group.

Your Workplace

You will work in the Department of Biology within IFM. There, you will be part of a dynamic research group working on ethological research on chickens, dogs, and horses.

About the Position

The position is a fixed-term appointment for two years with the possibility of extension for a total employment period of no more than three years.

The postdoctoral position is full-time.

Start date according to agreement.

Salary and Benefits

The university applies individual salary setting; please state your salary expectations in your application.

Read more about employee benefits here.

Union Contacts

Information about union contacts can be found in the Help for Applicants section.

Application

You apply for this position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than February 24, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our activities. It is self-evident for us to uphold everyone’s equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with Equal Conditions.

Welcome with your application!

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