Associate Researcher in population dynamics of grey seals

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 scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

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 three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at Medicinarberget.

Project description
The current project is about the population dynamics of the Baltic grey seal. After a historical bottleneck the population has been increasing in numbers since the 1980th, but in the last seven years the rate of increase has declined and there are signs of retarded growth in young seals despite the population is still below historical abundances. In the current program the phenomena will be carefully investigated through population modeling and compilation of empirical data; -how does mortality of pups vary among years? -how is the long-term trend affected by environmental variation and hunting? In order to analyze such questions a new, detailed population viability analysis (PVA) model will be developed for the grey seal population and the effects of prey availability, hunting and climate (affecting breeding ice distribution) on seal health and population extinction risk will be evaluated.

The project will contribute important information for the management of the grey seal population and communication with stake holders and the general public is important. The project is financed by the Environmental Protection Agency and is likely to be extended.

We now seek a biologist, biostatistician, computer scientist or the equivalent with a strong interest in marine mammal ecology and with excellent skills in statistics, programming and mathematical modeling. The project will occur in collaboration with several scientists with expertise in ecology, veterinarian science and mathematics both nationally and internationally.

De current position involves mainly theoretical work with statics, modeling and scientific writing of articles in collaboration with the other researchers involved. Some field work and communication in popular science is also part of the tasks.

Duties 
The current position involves work with computer software such as R, MATLAB, and software for image analysis. Techniques applied will be literature reviews, modelling, compilation of large databases and authoring of scientific articles. Subject areas of relevance for the project are population dynamics, marine mammal ecology, trophic interactions, statistics and mathematical modelling.

Qualifications 
Eligible to be employed as an Associate Researcher is a person with a university degree on a basic or advanced level with focus on population dynamics/ theoretical biology/biostatistics or the equivalent. A PhD exam in relevant subject is strongly meritorious but not required.

We are seeking a motivated person in the subject population dynamic modelling of marine mammals. What is necessary for the employment are excellent skills in statistics, programming and interdisciplinary collaboration, and in addition it is required to have excellent skills in reading and writing scientific English. Advantageous skills for the position are documented experience in research in population biology or the equivalent, familiarity with statistical analysis and to be able to independently define interesting research questions. Skills in collaboration and interest in communication and outreach is required.

The application should preferably be written in English 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
• Publication list 

The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview, which might be held in English and could also be performed by phone/Zoom.

Employment 
This is a fixed-term employment for 18 months, 100%, starting date as soon as possible or upon agreement. Depending on the funding agency the project is likely to be extended and thus the position will be announced again according to regulations.

Contact information for the post 
Karin Hårding, Professor
Phone: +46(0)76-618 3644
Email: Karin.harding@bioenv.gu.se
Webpage: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/hitta-person/karinharding

Henrik Aronsson, Professor and Head of Department
Phone: +46 31 786 48 02
Email: henrik.aronsson@bioenv.gu.se

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: April 21, 2022


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.