PhD student in biology, specializing in environmental science
Department of Aquatic Resources Doctoral subject: Biology. Assessment and prioritization of marine and coastal restoration measures. There is an urgent need for restoration in coastal and marine areas. The restoration challenge is complex, as many areas are affected by large-scale pressures interacting with local effects. To meet this challenge, we need to understand how ecological knowledge can be combined with societal processes, both at a local and a larger spatial scale. The PhD position is part of a project intended to support effective strategic planning for marine coastal restoration by developing key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of coastal restoration measures based on ecological, social, and economic sustainability aspects. The project group is interdisciplinary and includes researchers in ecology, sociology, and economics. The project's results will form the basis for restoration measures at both local and national levels. Tasks: The main task is to carry out the doctoral work under supervision, which includes, among other things, developing the doctoral student's methodological, theoretical, analytical, written, and oral presentation skills. The doctoral student will use a variety of different methods, including stakeholder dialogues, analysis of geographic data, as well as validation and testing of indicators in case studies. You will produce maps of natural values that contribute important knowledge for sustainable coastal planning and identify hotspots where restoration measures would provide the greatest cost-effectiveness in relation to ecological, social, and economic goals. Your work will contribute to increased knowledge of how spatially targeted measures and spatial optimization can affect the effectiveness of restoration efforts, as well as processes for integrating knowledge from several different sources into management work. You will have close contact with officials from municipalities, county administrative boards, and Havs- och vattenmyndigheten. Eligibility: Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 hp, of which at least 60 hp are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39). Additionally, you are required to have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in engelska B/6 from a Swedish gymnasium. Your background: We are looking for a curious, cooperative, and motivated person with an interest in aquatic ecosystems and in collaboration between different disciplines and stakeholders. We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as curiosity, responsibility, and the ability to work both in a group and independently, as well as personal suitability for the educational and research tasks. Necessary qualifications: Upon admission to the doctoral program, the applicant must have a degree at an advanced level (e.g., magister or master's degree or equivalent) in environmental science or environmental management, aquatic ecology, or another relevant subject area. A genuine interest in research and in developing as an independent researcher. Very good cooperation and organizational skills. Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written. Knowledge of data management and statistical analysis.
Other meritorious knowledge and qualifications: Experience in scientific writing. Knowledge of Swedish, both spoken and written. Good knowledge of aquatic ecology. Experience with geographic information systems and spatial analysis. Experience in sociological survey design. Experience in ecological field studies.
About us: Do you want to work in an inspiring environment and contribute to the sustainable use of our oceans, lakes, and waterways? At the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), we work with marine environmental monitoring, management advisory, research, and education in aquatic ecology. The department is the largest at SLU with approximately 180 employees distributed across four main offices and four research stations. This PhD position is located in Uppsala at Kustlaboratoriet. Welcome to visit us at https://www.slu.se/aquaticresources! Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work within SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work within SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ Terms of employment and salary:
Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education). The salary for the doctoral student position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.
Extent:
100%.
Location:
Uppsala, Sweden.
Commencement:
December 1 or by agreement.
Application and selection:
Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-26.
Read more about the attachments that your application must contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application, and shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the education within the allotted time. Please note that the applicant(s) called for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, and that applicants with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport containing a photo and personal information. Union contact persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/