Postdoctoral Fellow in parasite population genetics

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 professors, researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff. There are several groups working on fish ecology, evolution, and behaviour, as well as population genetics and evolutionary genomics.
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 behaviour and parasite virulence”. This project is funded through a Wallenberg Academy Fellowship awarded to Jessica Stephenson.

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 behaviour, parasite transmission, and virulence evolution. The postdoc will use existing data on directly transmitted gyrodactylid parasites, guppies, and sites across northern Trinidad to test how river architecture, host community composition, parasite host range, and host social behaviour interactively shape the structure and evolutionary potential of parasite populations. Other existing datasets could facilitate additional explorations, for example of the role of the fish or environmental microbiome, and how population genomic structure shapes parasite virulence phenotype.

The postdoc will work collaboratively with Mary Janecka at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and groups in the Zoology Department with strong backgrounds in population genetics and evolutionary genomics.

Main responsibilities

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. The postdoc will work on analysis of existing single nucleotide polymorphism data from two parasite species from several sites across Trinidad. Questions these data could address include:

1. How does parasite host range (generalist vs. specialist) shape how parasite populations are structured across different host communities?
2. How does the complexity of the river network shape parasite population structure?
3. How does host behaviour shape parasite population structure?

Beyond these core questions, there are several additional directions the postdoc could develop, depending on their interest and expertise.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances 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 experience working with challenging genomic data, such as those from parasites, other tiny organisms, or scat. If you have used such data to understand population dynamics, species interactions, and/or complex reproductive strategies (clones etc.) this is a huge plus. We are also looking for someone with the ability to synthesise ideas and data across fields, including landscape/riverscape genomics and a strong publication record demonstrating these key skills. 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 in spring/summer of 2026 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

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.