PhD Student: Raptor ecology

Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies
The department offers a creative, stimulating, and highly international environment and performs internationally recognised research, education and environmental monitoring in the research areas animal ecology, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology and restoration ecology (see https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/research/research-areas/). The department has many international employees and well-established national and international collaborations, which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange.

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/

Raptor ecology
Research subject Biology
Description:
Eagles play a crucial role in northern ecosystems as they occupy the top position in the food chain, hence exerting control over the population dynamics of their prey species, and the distribution and abundance of other species within the ecosystem. Sweden, Finland, and Norway share the threatened Golden eagle population in Fennoscandia, and birds range freely between the three countries. The three countries also share primarily the same prey species and environmental challenges including the threats to the eagles. These threats include collisions of eagles with traffic, powerlines, and wind farms, conflicts with reindeer husbandry, illegal hunting, poisoning from heavy metals, and other emerging environmental pollutants. Yet, besides monitoring of eagle population by volunteers, there is little cooperation between the three countries on the conservation and management of this shared population.

The overall objective of this cross-border project is the conservation of northern Golden eagles through the harmonization of population data collection methods and surveys, joint data analyses, and sharing of knowledge and best practices, including traditional knowledge, for future joint implementation and development of sustainable management strategies. It integrates new state of art GPS tracking methods with genomics along with sophisticated statistical and spatial analyses.

As a PhD student in the project, you are expected to execute the aims of the project with advice and assistance from the project team. The project entails coordination of knowledge and data between countries, using novel methods for data analyses, field work involving camera traps, transmitters, and other monitoring methods. The candidate is also expected to closely collaborate with stakeholders such as volunteers, authorities, industry and NGOs. 

The place of work will be the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, with occasional trips to the field sites in northern Sweden.

Qualifications:
The project seeks a candidate with a strong quantitative, lab and modelling background in ecology and genetics, advanced skills in statistics and data analyses are almost essential as vast amount of data is already collected. A master degree in quantitative ecology or biology is desirable, or otherwise, those with a master in general ecology or biology may also apply and demonstrate their quantitative abilities. The candidate should be able to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, tough field conditions, and have a good level of autonomy and creativity. A good knowledge of spoken English and writing skills are essential. Knowledge of Swedish and/or Sami is a plus.

Place of work:      
Umeå

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment, 4 years

Starting date:
November 1 or according to agreement

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-11-23.

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: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/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.