PHD SCHOLARSHIP IN INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY ( Sweden)

Job assignments

During flight, insects use visual information to actively control their speed, to negotiate obstacles and to land. The efficiency with which insects such as bumblebees locate and pollinate flowers thus crucially depends on the reliability and robustness of
their visual flight control. This is maximal in the bright broad-spectrum natural daylight under which insect flight has been studied, but what are the limits and tolerances of the visual flight control system? How robust is it when light levels fall or when its spectral composition narrows, as might be experienced by nocturnal pollinators? We will investigate these questions by characterising bumblebee flight trajectories and pollination efficiency as they negotiate a flight arena, and locate flowers within it, under different intensities and colours of light. In this project we will not only derive fundamental new principles of insect flight control, but will also simultaneously evaluate the ability of a crucially important greenhouse pollinator to fly and pollinate under artifical light, thus

paving the way to replace the environmentally damaging HPS lamps used in greenhouses the world over.

Eligibility/Entry Requirements

The applicant?s undergraduate education should include sensory biology and/or neurobiology. Previous experience of behavioral work, image analysis and MatLab Software (or equivalent) is highly desirable.

Ingen standardtext finns på engelska.

Basis of Assessment

Regulations for employment as a postgraduate student can be found in the Swedish Statute Book (SFS 1998:80). Only those admitted to postgraduate studies can be appointed to such a position. When appointing applicants to such a position, first and foremost their ability to benefit from postgraduate studies must be taken into consideration. In addition to pursuing postgraduate studies, the doctoral student may also perform other duties, including research, teaching and administration, according to the specific regulations.

Type of employment: Limit of tenure, 4 years
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Biology (Cell and Organism Biology), Lund
First day of employment: As soon as possible
Official Records Number: NPA 2011/42

For further information please contact:
Marie Dacke, research fellow
046-2229336
marie.dacke@cob.lu.se

Last Day of Applying
       2011-02-21

Appointment Procedure

Complete information about the application process can be found here:http://www.naturvetenskap.lu.se/o.o.i.s/11729. Applications for advertised positions must be received by the date specified in the announcement.

Lund University promotes an equal opportunities code. We encourage both men and women to apply for this position.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.