Department of Aquatic Resources in Öregrund, Sweden
1 PhD student in the research education
subject: Biology, specialization Ecology
Ecological effects and local adaptations of invasive species
The Department of Aquatic Resources at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, (SLU Aqua) is looking for a PhD student to investigate the role and impact of invasive species in coastal ecosystems of the Baltic Sea. Introduction of alien species is a severe risk for biodiversity and ecosystem services in aquatic ecosystems. The invasive round goby, Neogobius melanostomus, will be used as the main model species in the project. The round goby has been spread unintentionally by ships from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. This species is a threat against native species due to its high reproductive capacity, great plasticity regarding variation in environmental factors and superior competitiveness in comparison with other bottom-dwelling species. Field data from Swedish monitoring programs of coastal fish fauna will be combined with experimental and laboratory work to elucidate life-history characters, diet plasticity, potential predators, potential distribution and the effect of round goby on native fauna. The expected outcomes are increased knowledge of the round goby and its ecological impact, which can be used for future management of invasive species. The student will work with senior scientists at SLU Aqua in Öregrund, with broad expertise in coastal ecology and invasive species and also with researchers in fisheries ecology at the Division of Marine Research in Lysekil. Experimental work will for example be carried out at the SLU Fisheries Research station in Älvkarleby. Fieldwork will be conducted in cooperation with several existing environmental monitoring programs within the department, such as annual coastal fish monitoring programs. The results will be incorporated also in the scientific advice process to the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, as well as international organizations such as HELCOM, OSPAR and ICES concerning invasive species.
Qualifications
Master’s degree or equivalent in ecology or biology is required, and good communication skills in written and spoken English are also required. Personal qualities such as dedication and ability to collaborate are also essential. Experience of field and laboratory work as well studies/knowledge in aquatic ecology and/or fish biology are desirable. Skills in quantitative and multivariate statistics as well as skills in scientific writing are desirable. Knowledge on invasive species is an additional merit. We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated student, and thus we put great emphasis on the personal qualifications of a successful applicant. The selection will be based on written application, CV, diploma/exam work, personal references, and an interview.
Forms for funding or employment
Employment as PhD student 4 years
SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level.
Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant’s qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.
Read more about the PhD education in the Handbook for postgraduate students
Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/…/educa…/programmes-courses/postgraduate-studies/
Use this APPLICATION FORM
Further information:
forskare Ann-Britt Florin, ann-britt.florin@slu.se, +46 10 4784122 Johanna Mattila, head of division tel. +46 10 4784142, e-mail johanna.mattila@slu.se
Academic union representatives
SACO Saco-S föreningen SLU +46 (0)18 67 10 85 SEKO Linda Thörnström +46 (0)18 67 10 57
ST Lotta Olsson +46 (0)18 67 15 36
Applications, marked with ref no SLU ua 4065/2016, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, S- 750 07 Uppsala or registrator@slu.se
no later than 2016-11-27.