Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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We are looking for a senior research engineer who will conduct a field study analysing morphologic characteristics of boulder-bed semi-alluvial streams in Sweden. It is a full-time position limited to 12 months. Start date is May 15 or according to agreement. Application deadline is April 7, 2020.

Description
The selected candidate will conduct a morphologic analysis of boulder-bed semi-alluvial streams to determine potential self-organization of, for example, channel width, slope, boulder protrusion, and sediment size distribution. This project has implications for understanding morphodynamics of boulder-bed channels as well as guiding stream restoration. Many streams in northern Sweden are semi-alluvial in that they contain coarse till (cobbles and boulders) seldom transported by fluvial processes. However, virtually all boulder-bed channels below the Scandes mountain range were impacted by timber-floating (e.g., channelized and dynamited). Currently, many of these channels are being restored; however, few reference sites or geomorphic parameter ranges exist to guide restoration. The research engineer will conduct detailed field surveys (morphology, sediment size, surficial geology) of remaining unimpacted semi-alluvial streams throughout northern Sweden to determine ranges of values and potential relationships between morphologic parameters. The selected candidate is responsible for publishing the findings as a research article and providing data and conclusions for a report on stream restoration in Sweden.

Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in fluvial geomorphology, earth science, physical geography, or similar. The candidate should be capable of leading a field campaign, using survey equipment (e.g., total station), and analysing data using GIS and statistics. The candidate must be able to work well with others as well as independently. You should have very good written and oral communication skills in English as well as a driver’s license for cars. Strong merits include documented expertise in channel morphodynamics and working in steep, mountain, or coarse-bed streams.

Application
The application, written in Swedish or English, should be submitted via our e-recruitment system on April 7, 2020 at the latest.  

The application should include:

  • Cover letter: include a one-page summary of past research and current/future research interests.
  • CV specifying academic qualifications
  • Publication list (with three most relevant publications highlighted)
  • Copy of the PhD degree certificate (or documentation of completed doctoral studies)
  • Contact information for three references

Contact
Please contact Dr. Lina Polvi Sjöberg (lina.polvi@umu.se) for information relating to the position.

The Department of Ecology and Environment Sciences at Umeå University performs research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 140 employees. For more information, visit www.emg.umu.se.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2020-05-15 or according to agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-420-20
Contact
  • Lina Polvi Sjöberg, Universitetslektor, 090-786 61 90
Union representative
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
Published 17.Mar.2020
Last application date 16.Apr.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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