Postdoctoral Fellow in Behavioural disease ecology

The Department of Zoology is one of the oldest departments at Stockholm University with a long history of basic and applied animal research, from arthropods to large mammals. The Department is a dynamic research environment and consists of c. 80 employees, including permanent professors, researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff. There are several groups working on fish ecology, evolution, and behavior.
More information about us, please visit: the Department of Zoology.

Project description

The Zoology Department at Stockholm University is recruiting a post-doctoral researcher to work on the project “Dynamic interactions between host social behavior and parasite virulence”. This project is funded through a Wallenberg Academy Fellowship and a National Science Foundation (USA) grant awarded to Jessica Stephenson, who will be moving to the department in July 2025.

This position is part of a larger research project that aims to provide integrated theoretical and empirical tests of the dynamic interactions between host social behavior, parasite transmission, and virulence evolution. Using a small fish – the guppy – and its parasites, we have run experimental epidemics in host populations that differ in their social behavior. Phenotypic and genomic data from this large-scale experiment, along with mathematical models, will generate refined theoretical predictions that we will test in natural Trinidadian stream communities. Using our experiment, model, and field sampling, we will test how host social ) shapes the size and structure of parasite populations; 2) drives parasite virulence evolution; 3) responds to an outbreak to slow its spread. Such an integrative approach is essential and will identify and evaluate general ecological and evolutionary mechanisms by which host social behavior and parasite virulence interact across systems: it has substantial relevance for infectious disease management across species including humans.

The postdoc will work collaboratively with other members of the project team who will be based primarily at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Texas at El Paso, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Main responsibilities

Initially, the post doc will work on analysis of existing data from experimental epidemics of the parasite Gyrodactylus turnbulli in groups of Trinidadian guppies Poecilia reticulata. These data include time series of parasite counts and social interactions from individually identified fish throughout the course of epidemics. Other data types include microbiome samples, female reproductive status, and male ornamentation. There is scope to develop independent research questions within the broader project, and potentially to run additional experimental epidemics, experimental infections, mathematical modelling, and/or fieldwork to test questions emerging from the analysis.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills relevant to this project. Ideal candidates will have excellent computational skills, extensive training in social network analysis, the ability to synthesise ideas and data across fields, and a strong publication record demonstrating these key skills. Given the international collaborations inherent in this project, excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date is Summer-Autumn 2025, or as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Jessica Stephenson, jess.stephenson@zoologi.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.