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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The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Sweden invites applicants for a 2-year postdoctoral position in aquatic ecology focusing on natural drivers and anthropogenic impacts on population dynamics, production and size structure of lake living salmonid top consumers. The position is on fulltime, based in Umeå and is expected to start August 1st, 2022 or according to agreement. The closing date for applications is June 1st, 2022.

Project description
We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the international research project "Holistic evaluation and restoration measures of human impacts on freshwater ecosystems across biogeographical gradients (FreshRestore)", co-funded by the European Commission (https://www.biodiversa.org/1587) and Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Globally, lake ecosystems are under anthropogenic stress (e.g. climate change, land use and fishing). A key challenge is to understand and predict how freshwaters over gradients of catchments respond to different stressors, and to gain knowledge how to preserve and restore these ecosystems. FreshRestore will develop integrative models to predict population and food web levels consequences of natural environmental drivers and anthropogenic stressors using ecological population- and statistical models and large data sets of lake abiotic parameters, fish communities and food webs across biogeographical gradients in Fennoscandia, combined with information on climate, land- and water-use, and mitigation efforts (e.g., habitat restorations). The ecological and socio-economic models will facilitate evaluation of the cost-efficiency of different nature-based solutions and elucidate how to improve biodiversity in lakes through different implementations. The consortium includes partners from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Spain. The project includes funding for travel costs allowing the postdoctoral researcher to visit the project partners, participate in field activities and to join scientific meetings.

The objectives of the post-doctoral project are to first develop correlative estimates from large lake data sets of how variation in temperature is expected to affect vital traits (e.g. growth, spawning probability, fecundity and survival), size structure and densities of fish top consumers across lake-specific bathymetry and watersheed specific abiotic characteristics. Secondly, using the obtained functions of vital trait variation, develop matrix or integral projection models for populations of lake fish top predators with emphasis on the effects of anthropogenic drivers on the production and size structure of salmonid top consumers across gradients of natural environmental drivers.

Qualifications
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate qualifies for employment as a postdoctoral fellow. This eligibility requirement should, at the latest, be met at the time when the decision of employment is made. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

Successful candidates must have a PhD in aquatic ecology, theoretical ecology or other relevant fields. We seek a creative and motivated person with a strong work ethic and experience in ecological modelling, handling statistical analysis of large datasets and GIS modelling. You should have the capability to conducting independent research but also a main interest in collaborative work with others in international research projects and have a solid English language and scientific writing.

Application
A full application should include:

  • A personal cover letter including a description over why you are interested in this position and how you can contribute to the research project (max two pages).
  • CV including list of publications (can include submitted manuscripts; describe your contribution to each).
  • A copy of your PhD thesis and relevant publications (max five).
  • A certified copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates.
  • Names and contact details (mail and phone) of two reference persons.
  • Other documents you wish to claim.

The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system on June 1st, 2022 at the latest. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format.

Contact
For more information, contact Associate Professor Pär Byström  (par.bystrom@umu.se,
+46 70 5217643).

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (www.umu.se/emg) carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 150 employees, about 20 of who are post-docs.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2022-08-01 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 2.2.1-305-22
Contact
  • Pär Byström, 070-5217643
Published 23.Feb.2022
Last application date 01.Jun.2022 11:59 PM CEST

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