Postdoctoral Fellow in Benthic Ecosystem Processes

Ref. No. SU FV-1156-23

at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences . Closing date: 11 April 2023. 

At the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences at Stockholm University, research and education are conducted in an international environment. The subject areas are Ecology and Evolution, Ecotoxicology, Marine Biology, Plant Physiology and Plant Systematics. Some of the research has direct environmental and societal relevance and the approach is often broad and interdisciplinary. About 100 people are working at the Department, of which ca. 35 are teachers and researchers and 40 are PhD students. 

Project description
The position will be associated with the project “Effects of bottom trawling on linked ecological-biogeochemical processes: scaling up to regional implications for marine planning and climate mitigation”. Marine sediments are increasingly recognised as carbon sinks, potentially important in mitigating climate change, and as essential in nutrient cycling.

Bottom trawling is a fishing method that disturbs the seabed and suspends sediment. The project will investigate to what extent bottom trawling affects ecosystem processes, either directly or through by altering benthic faunal communities. 

Main responsibilities
The position involves research into the relationships between benthic ecosystem structure and function and the potential for physical disturbance by trawling to disrupt these relationships. The position will include: planning of and participation in at least one research cruise in the Baltic Sea, and laboratory preparation and/or analysis of benthic samples from that cruise; analysis of existing and new data on benthic community composition and benthic processes; writing of scientific manuscripts.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills and scientific proficiency. In particular, a proven proficiency in statistical analysis of large datasets (e.g., with multivariate methods) is required, as well as the ability to write high quality scientific papers in English. You should preferably have experience of research on soft sediment ecosystems. Experience of working at sea is a merit.

We are looking for either a benthic biogeochemist or a benthic ecologist. However, in both cases the candidate should ideally have experience of the other discipline or, at the very least, have a good understanding of the interactions between ecological, biogeochemical and other processes occurring in surface sediments.

Applications will be assessed based on submitted documents, and interviews for those selected for the shortlist. Applicants selected for interview may also be required to submit a short written discussion of a scientific paper they have written. 

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as soon as possible, preferably around 15 May, 2023.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from the project leader, Professor Clare Bradshaw, [email protected] . 

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO). 

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

 and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter (max. 2 pages), including an explanation of
  • why you are interested in the project described in the advertisement
  • what makes you suitable for the project in question
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files) (optional)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files). 

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position

You are welcome to apply! 

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=20554&rmlang=UK