Doctoral student in environmental science with focus on cumulative effects of environmental impacts in the Arctic - ,

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) at Umeå University is looking for a doctoral student in environmental science, with a focus on cumulative effects of environmental impacts in the Arctic. As a doctoral student, you will be part of an interdisciplinary network with affiliation to EMG, Várdduo - Centre for Sámi Research and the Arctic Graduate School with a focus on Sustainable Development. The start date will be October 1, 2023, or according to agreement Application deadline for applications is August 9, 2023.

Project description
The ongoing green transition to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and mitigate climate change has resulted in increased pressure on land and natural resources in northern Sweden. In a new geopolitical environment, the goal is to ensure the availability of clean energy and important natural resources. The results are enormous environmental, societal, and economic consequences, challenging the overall goals of sustainable development. Although Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are carried out before decisions are made, significant challenges remain if the overall societal needs for energy and resources are to be balanced against the cultural, economic, and social needs and rights of local and indigenous communities. Often some effects of a single, specific project are considered, but not the cumulative effects and consequences of other past, present, and future activities. One consequence of this is the increasingly rapid loss of reindeer grazing land to external actors.

The purpose of the project is to investigate and assess the consequences of these cumulative environmental effects on local and indigenous communities. In addition to environmental, social, and economic aspects, implications for well-being and health will also be investigated. The research questions include both regional perspectives (case studies in specific areas in northern Sweden), and comparisons with other arctic areas (e.g. Canada).

Work tasks
As a doctoral student, you will collect, analyze, and evaluate data linked to various aspects within the project. It may include investigations with a focus on natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and health aspects. You will have great influence over the direction of the project and will thus be expected to use your creativity and intellect to shape it.

If you are interested in working with current social challenges that originate in environmental science and sustainable development, and its consequences on local and indigenous communities, then this project is for you. The project will benefit from an interdisciplinary environment consisting of EMG, Várdduo and the Arctic Graduate School with a focus on Sustainable Development.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfill the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subject of environmental science, the applicant is required to have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to environmental science comprising at least 120 credits. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization shall have been completed, as well an independent piece of work (degree project) with relevant specialization of at least 15 credits. The recruitment procedure for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 5 and 7). The requirements should be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies.

Previous experience of research within indigenous and local communities or knowledge of Sápmi and/or other indigenous contexts is advantageous.

We are looking for a person with creativity, initiative, independence, good collaboration skills, and good ability to write and speak in English. The assessments will be based on the application, reference check and interview.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

How to apply
You apply through our recruitment system on August 9, 2023, at the latest. The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

• A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in and suitable for the position
• A research outline (max. 2 pages), in which you outline how and with what focus you would like to carry out the research project described above.
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of degrees and certificates from higher education
• List of completed university courses and the grades
• Copy of degree thesis and possibly other scientific publications
• Names and contact information of three reference persons

The documents should be in PDF-format.

Contact
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Christian Bigler, christian.bigler@umu.se (EMG) or Kristina Sehlin MacNeil, kristina.sehlin-macneil@umu.se (Várdduo).

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) is both a research and teaching department situated within the Umeå University campus. The department has approximately 140 staff members, of which 30 are PhD students. For more information, visit https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/

Várdduo – Centre for Sámi research is a unit at Umeå University, engaged in coordinating and initiating new Sámi and Indigenous research. For more information, see https://www.umu.se/en/vardduo-centre-for-sami-research/

The Arctic Graduate School with focus on Sustainable Development is part of the Arctic Centre’s operations, where you participate in, among other things, the research school's course activities, seminars, workshops, and international collaborations. For more information, see the Arctic Center https://www.umu.se/en/arctic-centre/ and the Arctic Research School: https://www.umu.se/en/arctic-centre/education/arctic-graduate-school/