Field Assistant for Insect Population Study

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading universities. There are approximately 47,000 students and more than 8,800 employees in Lund, Helsingborg, and Malmö. We unite in our efforts to understand, explain, and improve our world and the conditions of people.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Gender equality, equal opportunities, and diversity are fundamental principles for all parts of our operations.

Job Responsibilities

The work involves participating in and leading the collection of field data as part of a long-term population study of insects (dragonflies) that has been ongoing since 2000, i.e., for more than two decades. The work includes assisting with field experiments at Stensoffa Ecological Station, regular visits and revisits to locations to estimate species and individual numbers, as well as marking individuals in a capture-recapture study. We make visits and revisits to several known locations where we regularly and in a standardized manner estimate population densities and color morph frequencies during the summer months. Furthermore, laboratory work is conducted where individuals are phenotype-classified and morphometric data is recorded and entered into a database. Some individuals will also be collected for later DNA analyses.

The work is conducted within the framework of Professor Erik Svensson's research group at the Department of Biology. With this announcement, we open up for hiring up to three assistants during the field season from May 1 to September 15, 2026, with flexible start and end dates. If necessary, these dates can be adjusted slightly within the respective period depending on how the field season looks.

See under Selection Questions which periods you can choose from.

Requirements

• University education in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology.
• Experience: fieldwork with insects.
• Knowledge: Good command of English.
• Skills: Basic knowledge of insects, identification, and capture.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Valid driver's license for Sweden as we use a car to get to the field.

Additional Qualifications

• Education: Higher education in biology (Master's degree)
• Experience: broad experience in biological work, preferably with field experience of insects
• Knowledge: good command of English and computer skills
• Good communication skills and ability to collaborate.
• Good leadership skills and ability to supervise students.
• Computer proficiency and excellent digital skills.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities and the ability to work as part of a group of other students and researchers, including good communication and collaboration skills. We will also consider ambition, drive, and independence. Successful applicants are expected to assist senior researchers with various administrative tasks within the research group, including logistics related to fieldwork and supervision of both Swedish and international students participating in the work. Applicants will thus be partially assessed for their experience and competencies regarding administrative abilities and leadership skills.

Conditions

Fixed-term employment during the period May 1 – September 15, 2026.

Scope of employment: part-time, 70% of full-time.

Contact person: Professor Erik Svensson ([email protected])

Application Instructions

The application should include a personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position, how the requirements of the position match your experiences, and how the experiences you will gain as a project assistant will facilitate your future career opportunities. The application should also include a CV, diploma or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to reference (copies of transcripts, reference information, recommendation letters, etc.)

At the Faculty of Science, research and education are conducted in biology, astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, mathematics, and environmental science. The activities are conducted within the northern university area. The faculty has about 1,900 students, 330 doctoral students, and 730 employees.

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