About the position
The Institute of Marine Research (IMR), is seeking an ecologist for a 2-year postdoctoral position to work within the project “CODCHANGE: Fishing-induced eco-evolutionary changes in coastal environments: Atlantic cod as a case study”, funded by the Research Council of Norway. One of the objectives of the project is to determine how selection on individual fish traits differ between marine protected areas (MPAs) and fished areas.
The successful candidate will investigate both phenotypic and demographic changes in coastal cod populations using individual-based data from Skagerrak, a region containing areas with varying fishing restrictions. The main objective of this project is to determine what are the broader ecological and evolutionary consequences of Atlantic cod fishing, to achieve better predictions of biological responses to changes in harvest pressure in coastal systems. The study species is tracked using acoustic telemetry and capture-recapture methods, and both existing and new data will be used. CODCHANGE is a 4-year project that includes leading biologists and ecologists from Norway, Spain, and the USA.
The position will be based at the IMR department in Tromsø. Preferred starting date is October 2024, but negotiable within this year.
About our research group and our work
The population genetics group at IMR has a strong focus on the application of molecular genetic methods to identify individuals, sibling-relationships, populations and species. We are also involved in many activities and projects where a wide range of parameters are measured, ranging from life-history, phenotypic, behavioral as well as phenological traits. This research is closely linked to the Marine Research Institute’s overall vision of providing knowledge that will form the basis for long-term and sustainable resource use in the marine environment. You will work in close collaboration with group members at the Tromsø department and at the IMR research station in Flødevigen who are involved in the CODCHANGE project.
Main tasks
You will primarily work with data from long-term tagging studies to investigate spatiotemporal changes in phenotypic traits (e.g. body size, home range) and demographic parameters (e.g. population density, dispersal, mortality) of coastal cod populations in Skagerrak. We are looking for a candidate who can manage large datasets and conduct advanced quantitative analyses of individual detection data, following interpretation, discussion and publication of results in collaboration with other project partners. Some travel to international scientific conferences and to project meetings/workshops at other partner institutions may be part of the position. There is also the possibility to engage in fieldwork activities at the study sites.
Qualifications:
For this position we are looking for someone who
- PhD in biology or ecology, ideally on topics relevant to the postdoc project.
- Experience with biotelemetry or spatial capture-recapture modelling tools.
- Strong skills and experience with biostatistics and quantitative data analysis on large datasets using R, Matlab or similar software.
- Publication record in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent academic writing and communication skills in English.
The working language at the IMR is Norwegian, and good communication skills in Norwegian will be beneficial for both the applicant and the IMR. Sufficient progression in learning to speak and write Norwegian is expected during the first two years of employment. If necessary, language training will be offered and costs incurred will be reimbursed based upon completion of the language courses.
Desired competencies
The following skills/experience are highly desired and advantageous to any applicant:
- Strong interest in behavioral and evolutionary ecology.
- Experience with field work from small boats.
- Experience with Bayesian statistics and data visualization tools
Personal competencies
At the IMR we believe that personality affects how we work, communicate and thrive in the work place. For this position we are interested in candidates who
- Has good communication skills and is good at collaborating with others across professional fields.
- Cares about good relations at the workplace and wishes to contribute to a good work environment.
- Has ambition to publish high-quality articles in peer-reviewed journals.
- Is goal-oriented and pro-active about reporting on progress.
- Is able to work efficiently independently and in teams.
Inclusion, Diversity and Affirmative Action
The Institute of Marine Research welcome all qualified candidates to apply for the position, regardless of age, gender, functional ability, nationality or ethnical background. We are an Inclusive Working Life Enterprise, and we aim to facilitate for applicants with disabilities.
Upon receiving applications from candidates with reduced abilities, gaps in CV or immigrant background, we will invite at least one qualified candidate from each category to an interview. In order to be considered for affirmative action, certain requirements should be met, and you must specify that you wish to be considered for the action when applying. Please read more here.
We offer
- A creative and international working environment within one of Europe’s leading marine research institutions.
- An exciting project in a strong scientific environment, with freedom to develop own research ideas and lead collaborations with international partners.
- Flexible work hours.
- Public sector occupational pension through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
- Cabins available for rent and other welfare benefits.
- Sport facilities
Your application must include
- A short statement text, with emphasis on your research interests and your motivation for applying for this position. This should be no more than one A4 page.
- Full name, e-mail address and phone number of 2-3 references. You references should be supervisors from your PhD and recent previous positions
- A CV summarizing education, previous positions and other qualifying activity, copies of exam and degree certificates and other relevant certificates
- A complete list of scientific publications
All documents should be in a Scandinavian language, or in English. Candidates from foreign institutions should include the institution’s explanation of its grading system.
Aditional information
The Institute of Marine Research offers a government-regulated salary as 1352 postdoctoral fellow (postdoktor), an excellent pension scheme through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund, and other welfare benefits (see www.spk.no/en for more information).
Please note that information about applicants may be made public even if an applicant has requested to be exempted from the list of applicants. Applicants will be notified about this in advance.
For more information about the position, please contact:
Albert Fernandez Chacon, Senior researcher
+47 45863014
Albert.fernandez.chacon@hi.no
Esben Moland Olsen, Principal researcher
+47 94288505
esben.moland.olsen@hi.no
You can also visit our web site at www.hi.no/en.
For more information about the opportunity click here.