Conditions:

Contract duration: 36 months

Starting date: 1st October 2025

PhD student scholarship: 2 000 PLN gross

Forma składania ofert/ Form of application submission: e-mail

Project description:

Eco-evolutionary dynamics represent the interplay of ecology and evolution, which emerge with the overlap of ecological and evolutionary time scales. Our goal is to use an eco-evolutionary framework to investigate the adaptive radiation of three-spined stickleback fish by examining replicated populations on the island of North Uist in the Scottish Outer Hebrides, which support numerous freshwater populations of three-spined sticklebacks that show enormous phenotypic variability over a small spatial area. We have researched North Uist's stickleback populations since 2009, publishing a series of papers demonstrating the status of North Uist as a natural laboratory for research on rapid postglacial adaptive radiation.

Typ konkursu NCN/ Type of competition NCN: OPUS

Link do strony www jednostki/Link to the unit's website: https://www.uni.lodz.pl/

We offer:

1. The chance to contribute to an innovative project on the interface of ecology and evolution;

2. The opportunity to conduct fieldwork in the Scottish Hebrides;

3. Comprehensive training in field sampling and data collection, laboratory experimental work, microscopy, diet analysis, and data analysis;

4. Supervisory support from an experienced team of researchers;

5. Development of transferable skills.

Wymagania/Requirements:

1. Undergraduate degree in biology, zoology, ecology or evolutionary biology.

2. Experience in handling biological materials, including identification using taxonomic keys;

3. Interest in behavioural and evolutionary ecology;

4. Willingness to participate in extended fieldwork at remote locations in Scotland;

5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively;

6. Good English language skills (written and oral).

Desirable: Experience in the identification of freshwater plankton and macroinvertebrates.

Opis zadań/Description of tasks:

1. Designing, planning, and carrying out field and experimental work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaborators;

2. Regularly reporting and publishing research findings, as well as presenting at group meetings and national and international conferences, as required;

3. Undertaking training in statistics and identification of freshwater plankton and macroinvertebrates;

4. Maintaining meticulous research records and data.

Required documents:

- 2-page CV (in English) documenting achievements, scientific degrees, publications, technical skills (e.g. lab and field experience, macroscopy, taxonomy), research stays and other relevant experience;

- Cover letter (in English) outlining motivation to join the project;

- Details of at least two individuals willing to provide references for the candidate

Deadline for submitting documents: 16th September 2025 (00:00 CET)

Applications and informal enquiries: carl.smith@biol.uni.lodz.pl.

Zasady przyznawania stypendiów naukowych NCN:

Stypendium zostanie przyznane zgodnie REGULAMINEM PRZYZNAWANIA STYPENDIÓW NAUKOWYCH NCN W PROJEKTACH BADAWCZYCH FINANSOWANYCH ZE ŚRODKÓW NARODOWEGO CENTRUM NAUKI.

Termin rozstrzygnięcia konkursu/ Competition closing date: 17.09.2025 r.

Grupa nauk / Group of Sciences: NZ

• Legally Required Informational Obligation for Candidates (PL:RODO):

17.09.2025