PhD-student, Biology specialization in Ecology

Department of Aquatic Resources

Do you want to work in an inspiring environment and contribute to the sustainable use of our seas, lakes and watercourses? We at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) are passionate about our vision of "strong fish stocks in healthy waters". We are growing, and looking for employees who want to develop and make a difference together with us.

We develop the knowledge on limnic and marine ecology and genomics of aquatic organisms. The department is SLU's largest and is based at three main locations: Lysekil, Öregrund and Stockholm (Drottningholm), as well as four field stations. Our department is characterized by close societal collaboration and outreach. This creates a vital research environment and gives us unique opportunities to develop knowledge that is close to management and directly applicable in practice. Welcome to visit us at www.slu.se/aquaticresources!

Does global warming induce evolution in fish, and how to then fish sustainably?
Description:
Fisheries need to adapt to global warming to ensure sustainable fishing, but fundamental knowledge is missing: do fish evolutionarily adapt to the higher water temperatures caused by climate change, and if so how? The aim of this PhD-project is to resolve how warming waters and fishing jointly induce evolutionary responses in fish, subsequent ecological consequences, and how fishing should be undertaken to be sustainable in the warming climate.

To address this you will do field experiments on fish responses to warming, genetic analyses of archived fish tissues from historical collections and of new samples, as well as use mathematical modelling of eco-evolutionary dynamics of fish and their prey to analyse their responses to warming and fishing.

You will be part of our team working on the dynamics of fish communities and aquatic food webs, and their responses to climate change, exploitation and other human pressures (www.slu.se/fishinfoodwebs). You will also pursue your research and education within our team’s international research network, with possibilities for research visits at other universities.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with strong quantitative skills in ecology or genomics. Applicants should hold a MSc degree in ecology, animal ecology, aquatic ecology, limnology or marine ecology, bioinformatics, theoretical ecology, applied mathematics or related disciplines. You should have a genuine interest in research and learning to do research.

Good knowledge in ecology and quantitative analyses of population- or community dynamics, evolutionary dynamics or quantitative genetics is required, and documented experience thereof is desirable. Expertise in dynamic population- or eco-evolutionary modelling, or bioinformatics is highly advantageous. Expertise in population genetics, or population- and community ecology is meriting. Skills in next-generation sequencing data analysis and skills and experience of biological laboratory work are also considered a merit. Demonstrated independent scientific work, experience of working in scientific teams, and skills in mathematics, R- or Matlab-programming are considered merits.

We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as curiosity, responsibility, and ability to work in teams as well as independently, and on personal suitability for the learning and research tasks. You are fluent in spoken and written English (required).

Place of work:      
Öregrund

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as PhD-student for 4 years.

Starting date:
Before mid-June 2020 (or to be agreed).

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-04-20, use the button below.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications (with name, relation to candidate, email and phone number), certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.

Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.