PhD-student in Biology, specialisation in Ecology

Do you want to work in an inspiring environment and contribute to the sustainable use of our seas, lakes and rivers? We are looking for a PhD student that will work in a project focusing on developing fish passage solutions for weak swimming species to enhance connectivity in regulated river systems.
At the Department of Aquatic Resources, we are engaged in marine and freshwater monitoring, management advice, research and education in aquatic ecology with a focus on fish and shellfish. The department is the largest department at SLU, with about 180 employees at four main offices (Uppsala, Lysekil, Öregrund and Stockholm) and four research stations. Welcome to visit us at https://www.slu.se/aquaticresources !

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student that will work in a project with the aim to provide guidelines for fish passage solutions for a wide range of species and body sizes, with focus on weak-swimming fish species. 

The work involves collecting and analysing data from the field to study which species can pass at different environmental conditions using video material from existing cameras monitoring of migrating fish in existing fish ways, complemented with eDNA assays to detect fish species upstream and downstream selected fish passages. It also involves a systematic literature review on swim capacity of target species. A large part of the work will, however, be conducting experiments on how fishes respond to, and choose, different flow conditions. Pilot experiments will be performed in stream aquaria at SLU Fisheries Research Station at Älvkarleby, and large scale experiments in a large flume (Laxeleratorn) at Vattenfall Research and Development in Älvkarleby.
Large part of the work will be performed around the river Dalälven in Älvkarleby. Substantial time will also be spent at the Institute of Freshwater Research in Drottningholm.
Part of the work is related to the ongoing hydropower relicensing process in Sweden (‘NAP’), where a wide range of solutions to remedy the negative impacts of hydropower are proposed, and close contact with the industry will be upheld during the project.

A master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, limnology, marine ecology, environmental science or similar topic.

• A genuine interest in research and science-based learning (practical and theoretical)
• Very good interpersonal and organizational skills
• Good ability to express oneself in writing and orally in English
• A prominent analytical problem-solving ability
• A strong willingness to learn new analytical methods

Meritorious are:

• Good knowledge of fish or river ecology
• Understanding of the uses and environmental impact of hydropower
• Experience of field studies and handling of fish
• Experience in data management and statistical analyses
• Experience of writing scientific texts
• Experience in analysing videofilms
• Experience in DNA analyses and bioinformatics
• Driver's license for a car, including driving experience
• Communication skills relating to discussions with different actors/stakeholders
• Demonstration of independently and skillfully conducted scientific work and/or technical reports to authorities and/or industry

Particularly meritorious are:

• Personal qualities relevant to the position, such as good organizational skills, ability to take own initiatives, as well as good planning skills and good ability to work in groups.
• Experience in setting up and evaluating experiments on fish.
• Demonstrated strong skill in statistical analyses and modelling

Uppsala

Employment as PhD-student for 4 years

1 May 2024 or by agreement

We welcome your application no later than 2024-03-20. Click the ”Apply” button below to submit.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: 

www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to an interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Contact person

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=9865&rmlang=UK