Postdoctoral researcher in aquatic ecology – Sweden

No-take areas as a tool for fisheries management and habitat conservation

?We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join our research group focusing on no-take areas as a management tool. You will work on synthesizing ongoing studies on the ecological effects of no-take areas, aiming to develop the scientific understanding of their utility for both fisheries management and habitat conservation. Sweden has a major proportion of the total area of no-take zones in marine, coastal and freshwater areas of Europe, but so far little of the data collected has been published scientifically. The results of the project will be turned into advice to a diverse number of management bodies and policy makers on focal management questions. You will be part of our team working on fish and food web ecology and spatial management in both seas and lakes, and will collaborate with researchers at our department and within our international research networks.

The Department of Aquatic Resources, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, provides the scientific community, managers and the public with knowledge on freshwater, brackish water and marine ecology with a focus on fish and shellfish. We conduct research, teaching and resource and environmental monitoring, and provide scientific advice to foster a sustainable use of aquatic resources. The department has 180 employees across three divisions; near Gothenburg (Lysekil), Stockholm (Drottningholm) and Uppsala (Öregrund) as well as at four field stations. Our combination of research and scientific advice, from the local to the international scale, creates a stimulating environment for research and environmental analysis with great social relevance. Visit us at http://www.slu.se/en/departments/aquatic-resources1/.
Duties: You will contribute to analyses of extensive data collected within monitoring programmes established to study the effects of Swedish no-take areas in different aquatic environments, evaluating the effects on fish species with widely different life cycles and roles in the food webs. This work will involve application of advanced statistical analyses and be based on a broad knowledge of fish ecology. You will examine to what extent no-take areas can contribute to restoring food web functions and trophic interactions, and thus contribute to broad conservation objectives. Further, you will contribute to socio-economic valuation of no-take areas, and to assessing their utility in ecosystem-based management. You are expected to present the results as scientific papers, policy briefs, science outreach and conference presentations.

Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented scientist with a special interest in management of aquatic resources and in related policy questions. You have a strong analytical profile and good communication skills, and are fluent in written and spoken English. A PhD in ecology or another relevant subject is required. Documented experience of autonomous scientific research and verified skills in statistical analysis and advanced scientific writing are also required. A broad expertise in fish and aquatic ecology, as well as experience of fisheries management and marine conservation, are desirable. Knowledge on spatial analyses and economic valuations are considered additional merits.
Competence: PhD in ecology or another relevant subject.
As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

Place of work: Öregrund
Form of employment: 24 month appointment at the Division of Coastal Research in Öregrund, with shorter periods at the Division of Freshwater Research in Drottningholm and the Division of Marine Research in Lysekil.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.
SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.
www.slu.se
Further information:
Ulf Bergström researcher
+46(0)10 4784117 ulf.bergstrom@slu.se
Johanna Mattila
head of division +46(0)10 4784112 johanna.mattila@slu.se
Academic union representatives:
Saco-S föreningen SLU SACO
+46(0)18-671 085
Lotta Olsson
ST
+46(0)18-671 536
Linda Thörnström SEKO +46(0)18-671 057
?Extent: 100%
?Starting date: January 2016 or by agreement, at latest in April 2016 Application: We welcome your application marked with Ref no. SLU ua
4088/2016.
Please submit your application to the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden or registrator@slu.se no later than November 27, 2016.
Specific documents attached: (1) motivation letter describing your research interests in relation to the project (max 1 page), (2) CV, (3) copies of degree/diploma certificates and transcripts of records, (4) list of publications and ongoing work, (5) other scientific merits, with special account of merits in fish/aquatic ecology and management, and (6) contact details of two reference persons.
SLU is an equal opportunity employer.

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