PhD-student in Biology, specialisation 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 are looking for a PhD student that will work in a project focusing on developing marine protected area networks to sustain biodiversity under climate change. You will work in a highly collaborative environment close to management and with opportunities to take part in international collaborations.

At the Department of Aquatic Resources, we are engaged in marine monitoring, management advice, research and education in aquatic ecology with a focus on fish and shellfish. The department is the largest department at SLU with about 180 employees at four main offices (Uppsala, Lysekil, Öregrund and Stockholm) and four research stations. Welcome to visit us at www.slu.se/aquaticresources!

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Developing marine protected area networks to sustain biodiversity under climate change
Research subject Biology
Description:
The PhD project is part of a larger research project on sustaining marine biodiversity under climate change.

Climate change and anthropogenic disturbance cause major losses in biodiversity and threaten important ecosystem services. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a key component of conservation and fisheries management to alleviate these pressures and are a crucial component of new, ambitious targets for MPA coverage. However, sophisticated conservation planning techniques are required to ensure that MPA networks are ecologically coherent in a changing climate.

The PhD student will be involved in developing models of future species distributions and seascape connectivity to assess the ecological coherence of the Swedish Baltic Sea MPA network under climate change. The aims of the project are to: 1) spatially quantify connectivity under scenarios of ocean temperature and salinity change; 2) evaluate how effectively the current MPA network protects biodiversity under future climate scenarios, and 3) analyse how the MPA network should be expanded and strengthened to maximise biodiversity into the future. Results will be communicated to authorities and stakeholders to support biodiversity conservation.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented person, with a strong analytical profile and good communication skills. A master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, limnology, marine ecology, environmental science, sustainable development or similar is required. Experience with R (or other programming languages), GIS, and mathematical/statistical modelling is highly meriting. Other qualifications that will strengthen your application are demonstrated independent scientific work, experience of working in research groups, and knowledge on marine protected areas and nature conservation analyses, the Baltic Sea or other aquatic environments. Strong written and spoken English is required.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

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

Starting date:
1 Feb 2024 or according to agreement. 

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-12-11.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.