Research assistant for biodiversity project

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Department of Ecology
At the Ecology Centre of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden, we conduct research on populations, communities and ecosystems. We generate knowledge on how land use and climate affects animals, plants, nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas balance, and develop sustainable solutions for the future. Active outreach and frequent dialogue with stakeholders are key activities.
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/

Duties:
We are looking for a technical assistant to conduct field, laboratory and ad hoc tasks in project LIFEPLAN (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/projects/lifeplan). This is a major, six-year initiative funded by the European Research Council (ERC). Every week, year round, as part of a team of four, the technical assistant will conduct multi-scale sampling at remote locations around Uppsala. When not in the field, the assistant will work at the Ecology centre in Uppsala, processing samples of different types or assisting with logistics related to the wider project.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate should hold training as a biologist (MSc or equivalent). Since he/she is expected to do field work in all conditions (including heavy rain, snow, and high mosquito densities), we require previous, documented experience of work as a research assistant. The field work involves starting early in the mornings and carrying heavy equipment and 8 kg backpacks, physical fitness is required. As part of the wider Lifeplan project, the assistant will be liaising with other team members from the international part of the project and assist them with troubleshooting equipment issues; they will also have to pack and prepare equipment to be shipped to collaborating teams and do some sample processing in the laboratory. The team’s common language is English so fluency in English is necessary. To be able to successfully complete lab and fieldwork, the candidate should be able to take initiative and work independently and should show that they are solution-oriented and can come up with creative solutions to technical problems.

A driver’s license are mandatory qualifications. Winterdriving experience is a plus. 

We put strong emphasis on personal qualifications such as collaborative skills. The applicant will be working closely with the same three people on a daily basis, for which reason excellent communication, good will and reliability are required.

Place of work:
Uppsala, Sweden.

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 5 months (due to parental leave), with possible extension.

Extent:
40%, 2 full days per week.

Starting date:
January 23, 2023, or according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than January 2, 2023. To apply, use the button below. Make sure to upload your CV including the contact details of two references and a personal letter of motivation, outlining why you are the right candidate for us.

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

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.

www.slu.se