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PhD Position in Invertebrate Colour Vision and Visual Ecology at Lund University Lund University in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
This is a full-time, fixed-term doctoral employment at Lund University for four years of doctoral studies, extended accordingly for teaching or other departmental duties. The doctoral student is employed by the university and receives a monthly salary. Up to 20% of working time may be devoted to teaching and other departmental work. University employee benefits include generous annual leave and an occupational pension scheme.
Deadline
Nov 24, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Lund University
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About this position
Lund University invites applications for a doctoral project on the evolution of colour vision in marine invertebrates. The PhD researcher will investigate whether the firefly squid, a cephalopod, and the alciopid worm, an annelid, have independently evolved colour vision despite living in deep-water, night-time environments.
The project will examine how colour vision influences behaviour and whether these species use visual processing circuits and principles comparable to those found in arthropods and vertebrates. Research will combine behavioural experiments, molecular biology, neuroanatomy, electrophysiology and connectomics.
Fieldwork in Italy and Japan will test responses to colour and polarization stimuli using custom light sources and projection-screen systems. In the laboratory, transcriptomic data will help identify photoreceptor and visual interneuron classes in the retina and optic lobe. Serial block-face electron microscopy will generate connectomic volume data, enabling the mapping of synaptic connections and neural projections. These results will guide electrophysiological investigations of putative colour- and polarization-opponent neurons.
The doctoral student will join the Bok Lab within the Lund Vision Group, an internationally recognised, collaborative centre for comparative visual science. The group studies the evolution and ecology of vision across animals, including crustaceans, cephalopods, polychaetes and vertebrates, using techniques ranging from optics and electrophysiology to microscopy, molecular biology, theoretical modelling and behavioural experiments.
The project is connected to research in Sensory Biology and Aquatic Ecology and benefits from ongoing work, postdoctoral mentorship and a growing research environment supported by major grants. The doctoral researcher will participate in seminars, conferences, outreach and undergraduate teaching, gaining experience in scientific communication and academic collaboration.
Funding details
This is a full-time, fixed-term doctoral employment at Lund University for four years of doctoral studies, extended accordingly for teaching or other departmental duties. The doctoral student is employed by the university and receives a monthly salary. Up to 20% of working time may be devoted to teaching and other departmental work. University employee benefits include generous annual leave and an occupational pension scheme.
What's required
Applicants must hold a second-cycle qualification, or have completed at least 240 higher-education credits including at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or possess substantially equivalent knowledge. Specific eligibility includes an independent work such as a degree project of at least 30 higher-education credits in a relevant subject and good oral and written English. Additional requirements include a master’s degree in biology, marine biology or equivalent knowledge; practical experience with animal-vision behavioural experiments; fieldwork-based research experience; ability to work independently and formulate and address research problems; strong written and oral communication and collaboration skills; and very good spoken and written English. Selection will also consider knowledge or experience in animal vision, sensory biology and visual ecology, experience with data processing, statistical computing and scripting in Python, Matlab and R or equivalent, independence, collegiality, enthusiasm, and interest in scientific communication and outreach.
How to apply
Apply online through the Varbi application portal in English. Attach a CV, a personal letter explaining your interest and project fit, study certificates and/or diplomas proving eligibility, and any additional supporting information such as grades, references or recommendation letters.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.