PostDoc on impacts of cyanobacteria across ecosystems boundaries

Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen



The Department of Biology invites applicants for a 2-year Postdoctoral position on cyanobacteria effects on emerging insects.

Start date is (expected to be) 1 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
Cyanobacterial blooms can be a threat to insect biodiversity and their services by disrupting two fundamental freshwater supporting services: (i) resource provisioning, and (ii) habitat provisioning. First, cyanobacteria can negatively affect freshwater resource provisioning by producing potent toxic compounds for terrestrial organisms in need of freshwater resources, such as pollinators. Second, cyanobacteria can affect habitat provisioning for emerging insects by direct effects from toxins, but also by indirect effects via alterations in food web interactions. This research projet is part of the international project “CyaNoServices”, with collaboration partners from Sweden, Spain and Brazil. “CyaNoServices” aims to increase the security of freshwater supporting services for biodiversity threatened by harmful cyanobacteria beyond the aquatic boundary, with a focus on insect biodiversity and the multiple key ecosystem services that they provide to wildlife and human well-being. This research project will evaluate the multiple mechanisms by which harmful cyanobacterial blooms can affect the emerging insect community via changes in habitat quality.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Aquatic Ecology or Limnology. It is an advantage to have previous work or research experience sampling ponds, culturing techniques of emerging insects, phytoplankton or zooplankton. Experience with large-scale experimental-design and execution is also advantageous. The candidate should have a curious and creative mind-set with a strong interest to work with organisms and in the field. It is also necessary to possess excellent data analysis, communication, presentation, and academic writing skills in English.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within “cyanobacteria-emerging insects interactions” as well as teaching. More specifically, the PostDoc will support field sampling of ponds with colleagues in Sweden and isolate emerging insect larvae. The PostDoc will maintain the insect larvae and life-history experiements across different trophic levels. The post may also include performance of other duties.

The postdoc’s duties will include research within freshwater ecology as well as teaching. The post may also include performance of other duties.

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in freshwater ecosystems, experimental work and field work.
• Good language skills

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The Freshwater Biology Section is part of the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

The Freshwater Biology Section is focussed on research and teaching of freshwater ecosystems, spanning from wetlands and streams to lakes. We are a rather small section within a big Department. Our staff comprises of permanent faculty, laboratory technicians, Post Docs, PhD candidates and MSc and BSc students. Research infrastructure includes modern laboratory facilities equipped with extensive hardware for analysis of samples, various gear and vessels for field sampling, a state-of-the-art greenhouse and temperature-controlled rooms.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

Further information on the Department is linked at http://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to the principal supervisor: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Jana Isanta-Navarro, [email protected]

The position is open from 1 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Curriculum vitae
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• A short cover letter highlighting interests and potential research questions
• Degree certificates (Bachelor, Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Complete publication list
• The contact details of two professional referees
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 5 December 2024, 23:59 CET

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Interviews will be held on the 7th and 8th of January 2025.