Doctoral Appointment in Biology

The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology is accepting applications for a doctoral studentship leading to a PhD in Biology at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Main duties are: (I) analysing data for quantifying variation in short-term regulation in Swedish watercourses along a latitude and climate gradient; (II) perform field observations in order to understand the interactions between short–term regulation in winter and ice dynamics; (III) planning and conducting field experiments aimed at, for example, analysing the winter effects of short-term regulation on the composition and diversity of riparian vegetation, fish survival rates and ecosystem processes such as decomposition.

A doctoral student is primarily expected to engage in doctoral studies. The doctoral programme comprises 240 higher education credits, including the doctoral thesis, for a Degree of Doctor. A Degree of Licentiate comprises 120 credits. A doctoral student works independently and is prepared to contribute to the activities at the subject and the department, as well as taking on teaching and administration duties. Such duties may not constitute more than 20% of full-time. To contribute to a positive work environment and the department’s activities, the doctoral student is expected to be a present and active part of the day-to-day operations and workplace community.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for doctoral studies the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap 7 Sect. 35).

To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have second-cycle qualifications, completed at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at Master level, or who have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad. (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap 7 Sect. 39).

To meet the specific entry requirements for the doctoral programme in biology, the applicant must hold 120 credits in Biology including a degree project at bachelor’s or master’s level (15 credits). An applicant may also be eligible if they, in some other way, have acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

To be eligible for doctoral studies, the applicant must be considered to have the ability required to benefit from the programme (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 35). Admission is based on individual assessment.

• Special weight will be given to the applicant’s performance in previous studies, the quality of any independent projects completed during these studies, language skills, and whether the applicant intends to be a present and active part of the research environment.
• Considerable weight will be given to analytical skills, expertise in vegetation ecology, data management and statistical analyses, and experience in field work.
• Considerable weight will also be given to personal qualities such as the ability to cooperate, sound judgement, dedication, taking responsibility, and a having positive attitude towards colleagues and students. Having a valid driver’s license is required.
• Knowledge of Nordic plant species is a valuable qualification.

Upon admission to doctoral studies, the person will be offered the appointment of doctoral student (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 5, Sect. 3). The position comprises four years of full-time studies, or five years at a study rate of 80% with 20% teaching or other departmental duties. The position is fixed-term — one year initially, followed by possible extensions by a maximum of two years at a time. Start date by agreement.

The salary for the doctoral studentship corresponds to the standard level of salary for doctoral students at Karlstad University.

Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organisation. We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities, and life experiences.

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications. Include at least two references, at least one of which should be from a current or previous supervisor or equivalent.

The application should include:
– a cover letter where the applicant details the reasons behind their interest in the position,
– a list of qualifications (CV),
– degree certificate with a complete transcript of the courses included, or a certified list of completed courses with grades and dates,
– copy of the master’s thesis or equivalent,
– where applicable, copies of publications or certificates for other qualifications
– any letters of recommendation.
– two references, such as a teacher, supervisor, or previous or current superior.

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to the following address:

Karlstads universitet
The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology
Josefin Rönnqvist
651 88 KARLSTAD

Application deadline: 230315

State the ref.no: REK 2023/33

We look forward to your application!