The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.
Research Assistant in Aerobiology at the Pollen Laboratory
At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.
The department is placed at two different localities: in Natrium at Medicinaregatan 7B in Gothenburg and at the Kristineberg marine research station operated by the Marine Infrastructure at the University of Gothenburg. The current employment is based in the facilities at the building “Natrium”.
We offer
The University of Gothenburg is a state authority, which means special benefits, more holidays and a great pension. We also offer flexible time contracts to balance private and work life. You can read more about our employment benefits here.
Project description
As part of the Swedish Pollen Monitoring Network, the Pollen Lab at BioEnv plays a vital role in monitoring and analyzing pollen dispersion across Sweden. We collect data from eight monitoring stations, stretching from Malmö to Östersund, to create pollen forecasts that help inform the public, especially individuals with pollen allergies. Our work extends beyond forecasting: we contribute to biodiversity monitoring, track climate change impacts, and identify invasive species, reflecting our commitment to addressing a wide range of environmental health topics.
Duties
As a Laboratory Technician, you will play a critical role in maintaining our lab’s operational efficiency and expanding its capabilities. With changes in staffing planned for 2025, we need someone with strong technical skills to support our pollen and fungal spore research. The position will involve key tasks such as preparing slides for microscopy, handling reagents, and working with monitoring stations. Additionally, the position includes providing technical support to students and researchers involved in ongoing research projects at the laboratory.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work and has an interest in aerobiology, pollen analysis, and spore counting.
Key responsibilities:
- Sample Preparation: Prepare slides for microscopic analysis of pollen and fungal spores.
- Reagent Preparation: Prepare necessary reagents for lab experiments.
- Drum Preparation: Assist in setting up and preparing drums for sampling.
- Data Entry: Maintain accurate records by entering data from monitoring stations into the database.
- Communication: Coordinate with monitoring stations via phone or email to ensure timely data collection.
While the immediate focus is on pollen and spore analysis, you will have opportunities to:
- Develop skills in fungal spore identification and pollen forecasting.
- Learn techniques for flow cytometry sample preparation.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone with knowledge of biology, at least equivalent to the core courses of a Bachelor’s program in Biology, Biomedicine, or a related scientific field.
Required qualifications for the employment:
- High demands are placed on accuracy, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to work independently.
- Laboratory Experience: Hands-on experience with microscopy and sample preparation is essential.
- Manual Dexterity: Ability to prepare slides efficiently and with precision is a must.
- You should have experience working with computers and standard software packages such as Microsoft Office.
Experience in the analysis of recent (modern) airborne and bee-collected pollen is a merit. Basic knowledge of meteorology is an advantage, but not a requirement.
Personal qualifications:
- Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with other researchers and students.
- Independence: Ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Motivated Learner: Eagerness to develop new skills
- Flexible: Adaptability to different tasks and a dynamic work environment.
- Communication: Fluent in English, both written and spoken, as we work in an international environment.
The application can be written in English (preferably) or Swedish and must include:
- A short cover letter with the applicant’s justification for the application, i.e., that describes how the applicant meets the selection criteria
- A list of qualifications (CV)
- Copy of certificate of exam
The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed digitally.
Employment
This is a permanent position, extent 50 %, placed at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, starting February 1, 2025, or upon agreement. A probatory period may be applied.
Contact information for the post
If you have any questions about the position, please contact
Nestor González Roldán, Researcher
Phone: +46 76 618 4858
Email: nestor.gonzalez.roldan@bioenv.gu.se
Webpage: https://www.gu.se/en/about/find-staff/nestorgonzalezroldan
Åsa Arrhenius, Head of Department
Phone: +46 31 786 26 25
Email: asa.arrhenius@bioenv.gu.se
If you have any questions about the employment process, please contact HR at the Department of Biological and Environmental Science, hr@bioenv.gu.se
Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
Application
To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
Applications must be received by: December 17th, 2024
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.
