Postdoctoral Fellow in Zoology (Stockholm University)

About the Department The Department of Zoology is one of the departments within the Faculty of Science and has approximately 80 employees including researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff. Research and education at the department occurs in an international environment and is focused on animal biology. Outstanding and high impact research is conducted in a variety of fields, including evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, genomics, conservation, and behavior. More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology. Project description The aim of the project is to investigate the evolutionary associations between brain morphology variation and behavioural variation at the within-species level. To do this, the project will use three already established guppy (Poecilia reticulata) artificial selection lines with i) different relative brain size, ii) different schooling behaviour and, iii) different relative telencephalon size. Substantial infrastructure (>4000 aquaria, six rooms dedicated to individual and group assays for large sample sizes) allows for artificial selection experiments, multiple assays of cognitive abilities, mate choice, predator-prey interactions, collective motion, migration behaviour, physiology, and brain and body morphology. Molecular tools are also available in the department for analyses of genomic mechanisms behind the observed phenotypic variation. Personal research interests of the postdoc will be important to determine the exact project. Main responsibilities The position involves experimental research within the framework of the project described above. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for designing and performing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences. The position also includes contributing to the research environment of the group and providing practical supervision of the laboratory activities of students and PhD candidates working on related projects. 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 applicants with a PhD in a suitable area within Zoology, such as evolutionary biology or animal behaviour. A strong interest in cognitive evolution and experience in animal behaviour experimental work is important. Experience in general fish ecology and fish dissection is also welcome but not 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 as soon as possible 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 the prefekt, Niclas Kolm, niclas.kolm@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. Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth. Position Details Type of employment: Temporary position Contract type: Full time Salary: Individual salary setting Number of positions: 1 Full-time equivalent: 100 % City: Stockholm County: Stockholms län Country: Sweden Reference number: SU FV-1348-26 Union representative ST/OFR ST/OFR, 08162000, st@st.su.se Saco-S Saco-S, 08162000, saco@saco.su.se Seko Seko, 0770457900, sekodirekt@seko.se Key Dates Published: 21.Apr.2026 Last application date: 31.May.2026 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

About the Department

The Department of Zoology is one of the departments within the Faculty of Science and has approximately 80 employees including researchers, PhD students, and administrative staff. Research and education at the department occurs in an international environment and is focused on animal biology. Outstanding and high impact research is conducted in a variety of fields, including evolutionary biology, molecular and population genetics, genomics, conservation, and behavior.

More information about us can be found at: Department of Zoology.

Project description

The aim of the project is to investigate the evolutionary associations between brain morphology variation and behavioural variation at the within-species level. To do this, the project will use three already established guppy (Poecilia reticulata) artificial selection lines with i) different relative brain size, ii) different schooling behaviour and, iii) different relative telencephalon size. Substantial infrastructure (>4000 aquaria, six rooms dedicated to individual and group assays for large sample sizes) allows for artificial selection experiments, multiple assays of cognitive abilities, mate choice, predator-prey interactions, collective motion, migration behaviour, physiology, and brain and body morphology. Molecular tools are also available in the department for analyses of genomic mechanisms behind the observed phenotypic variation. Personal research interests of the postdoc will be important to determine the exact project.

Main responsibilities

The position involves experimental research within the framework of the project described above. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for designing and performing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences. The position also includes contributing to the research environment of the group and providing practical supervision of the laboratory activities of students and PhD candidates working on related projects.

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 applicants with a PhD in a suitable area within Zoology, such as evolutionary biology or animal behaviour. A strong interest in cognitive evolution and experience in animal behaviour experimental work is important. Experience in general fish ecology and fish dissection is also welcome but not 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 as soon as possible 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 the prefekt, Niclas Kolm, niclas.kolm@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.

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.