PhD-position in Ecology – Focus on Mountain Fish Population - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science invites applicants for a PhD student position in Ecology within Umeå University Industrial Doctoral School. The position is planned to begin in April 2016. Apply before February 29, 2016.

Project description
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) seeks a PhD student doing research on the management of mountain fish populations with the aim to increase our knowledge of and our ability to manage mountain fish populations. There is currently a lack of scientifically based strategies for monitoring and managing fish resources in the mountain areas, which is also where the effects of climate change are expected to be the strongest. The project aims to improve knowledge and develop strategies for the sustainable use of mountain fish populations in a changing landscape. Specific objectives include (i) to quantify the environmental factors that control the structure and the production of fish in mountain lakes, (ii) to examine what types of fishing are sustainable in different types of lakes, and to (iii) develop strategies for adaptive management and planning of fisheries in mountain lakes in a changing climate. The student will participate in ongoing research projects at the department with a focus on better understanding how future climate changes affect lake ecosystem function and productivity in general. Furthermore, the doctoral work will be executed in close cooperation with the managers of the mountain fish resources at the county administration boards of Västerbotten, Jämtland and Norrbotten.

Umeå University Industrial Doctoral School for research and innovation
The Industrial Doctoral School (IDS) is a multidisciplinary research school where the projects are based on collaborations between Umeå University and external organizations. The PhD students in IDS form an interdisciplinary group that, in addition to each scientific specialization, is given a tailor-made course package providing a strong platform for future work within research and development. A PhD position in IDS also includes a three-month internship at the external organizations for each doctoral student.

Admission requirements
The recruitment procedure for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 5 and 7). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (Swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or equivalent competence. Education should include 120 ECTS credits (2 years) in subjects relevant for ecology, at least one course on advanced level in ecology or a similar relevant field as well as a 15 ECTS credits independent project in ecology or a similar relevant field. The requirements should be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies, not at the time when your application is submitted.

For this position, we are looking for a candidate with relevant academic background (physical geography, ecology or similar). Experience in fish abundance estimations, fish sampling methods and laboratory work on fish is a merit and in-depth knowledge of aquatic ecosystem processes is a must. A driver’s license is needed. As the projects involves work and close cooperation with the northern county administration boards, ability to write and speak Swedish is a merit.

The successful candidate should further have a good ability to communicate in English, both orally and written, creativity, power of initiative, independence and good social skills. Evaluations will be based on the application letter, references, interview and relevance of MSc-thesis and other publications.

Information
Associate Professor Pär Byström will be the principal supervisor and David Seekell and professor Jan Karlsson associate supervisors. Further information is given by Associate Professor Pär Byström, tel: +46(0)90-786 94 93, +46 (0)70-521 76 43, e-mail: par.bystrom@umu.se.

How to apply
You apply through our recruitment system. Log on to the system and apply via the button on the web page on February 29, 2016 at the latest.

The application should contain the following written in English or in Swedish. 

• The application should include an application letter describing yourself and your match to the above mentioned requirements
• your motivation for your application and a short description of your research interests and ideas
• CV including academic grades
• Publication list; (electronic) copies of MSc-thesis, scientific publications, exam certificates and other documents supporting your suitability for the position
• Contact information for 2 reference persons.

Start date: 1 April 2016 or, alternatively, by agreement.

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) at Umeå University conducts research and offers postgraduate studies in Ecology, Environmental Sciences and Physical Geography. The department of EMG has about 160 members, including approximately 30 PhD-students (for further information, see www.emg.umu.se/english/