The Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences at Stockholm University is an international environment for research and education. The PhD subject areas are Ecology and Evolution, Ecotoxicology, Marine Biology, Plant Physiology and Plant Systematics. Some of the research has direct environmental and societal relevance and the approach is often broad and interdisciplinary. About 140 people work at the Department, of which ca. 35 are teachers and researchers and ca. 50 are PhD candidates.
Project description
We are seeking candidates for a 2-year postdoc position in restoration ecology and/or ecology of shallow coastal areas. The focus of the postdoc project is expected to be the effects of boating activities and/or reed harvest on shallow coastal ecosystems.
The position is within the project Levande vikar/Living Bays, funded mainly by the private foundation BalticWaters2030 and coordinated and conducted together with the Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre. The project aims to develope and evaluate methods for ecological restoration of shallow coastal bays. These ecologically important habitats have faced widespread detorioriation in many coastal areas and are now in poor conservation status, with turbid water, loss of submerged vegetation and declining fish populations.
The project goal is to provide concrete, science-based advice on applicability and efficiency of restoration methods, which is much requested in current marine and coastal management given the focus on ecosystem restoration in current policies such as the new EU Biodiversity Strategy and UN Decade for restoration.
The project includes a full-scale restoration trial, aiming at restoring water quality, benthic communities and fish populations in a number of shallow coastal bays in the Baltic Sea. Restoration will be initated in 2022 and ecosystem recovery will be follwed until 2027. In addition, a number of specific case-studies of individual stressors and restoration measures will be carried out, including effects of boating activities and of reed removal on the aquatic environment where this postdoc project will be a central part.
The work will be done in close collaboration with scientists at the Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre (BSC). The BSC carries out research on issues that are important for understanding and managing the Baltic Sea and its catchment area and provides scientific support to Swedish authorities for marine management and to the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM).
Main responsibilities
The position involves 100 % research, to study ecological effects of i) boating activities on water quality and aquatic vegetation and/or ii) reed and reed removal on the aquatic environment, using mainly field experiments and/or field surveys. Specific tasks include:
- Lead and participate in field experiments and/or field surveys in coastal bays in the study area (around Stockholm)
- Conduct laboratory analyses of biota, sediment samples, etc.
- Analyse data, write and publish scientific papers in international journals
- Co-supervise MSc student(s) connected to the project.
Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.
Assessment criteria
The degree should have been completed no more than three years before the deadline for applications. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances, which may involve sick leave, parental leave, clinical attachment, elected positions in trade unions, or similar.
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to the quality and quantity of past research, communication skills, publication record and faculty recommendations. Competitive applicants should have
- A PhD in marine/aquatic ecology or comparable topic,
- Relevant scientific experience, i.e. in ecology of shallow coastal or freshwater environments, benthic community ecology, and/or interactions between aquatic vegetation and their physical and chemical environment,
- A proficiency in field sampling and laboratory work, and
- Experience in writing and publishing scientific papers in international journals.
Scientific work experience on physical disturbance of benthic habitats, especially in temperate coastal areas, is meriting. Also, basic skills in spoken and written Swedish is a merit.
Because of the nature of the project, applicants must
- Possess a drivers’ license for car and small truck (B) and experience in driving a small boat
- Be able to regularly travel and conduct field work away from home for extended periods, and
- Be fluent in spoken and written English.
We seek enthusiastic applicants with a high motivation to do field-based research, an interest in applied research and capability of working independently, as well as part of a team. The successful applicant will be appointed following a general assessment of their competence and potential for development according to the tasks and prerequisites of the position.
Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 1 February 2022 or as per agreement.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Associate Professor Johan Eklöf phone +46 8 16 13 58 johan.eklof@su.se.
Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).
Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
and, in addition, please include the following documents
- Cover letter of a maximum of two A4 page detailing why you are interested in the project and what makes you a good applicant. Please note you should also specify which of the two main research questions – effects of boating or reed removal – that you see yourself most fit to co-lead.
- CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
- Copy of PhD diploma
- Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 PDF files).
The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.
You are welcome to apply!
Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.
Closing date: 30/11/2021
URL to this pagehttps://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=16145&rmlang=UK