Researcher in stock assessment and advice for fisheries management

About the job

SLU Aqua has a vacancy for a researcher in stock assessment and advice for fisheries management at the Marine Fish Laboratory. The unit you will work within conducts, among other things, research and stock assessment of fish and shellfish and provides scientific advice for fisheries management at both national and international levels. The work is carried out in close cooperation with other units at the Marine Fish Laboratory and other parts of SLU Aqua, and contributes to related environmental analysis and research areas such as environmental monitoring/data collection, climate effects, marine food webs, and ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM). Extensive cooperation with international institutions and organizations (e.g., ICES, International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) is expected and encouraged in the position, as is applying for external research funding.

The areas of work for this position are broad, but primarily include:

• Analyzing large datasets related to stock assessments and biological advice
• Performing stock assessments
• Following and participating in the development of next-generation stock assessment models
• Participating in national and international expert groups
• Contributing to scientific advice for fisheries management
• Contributing to scientific publications as well as national and international reporting
• Applying for research grants
• Teaching, mentorship, internal competence development, and the third mission

Your background

We are looking for you with strong quantitative skills (i.e., analysis, statistics, and modeling), knowledge of the programming language R (especially valuable in combination with TMB), familiarity with version control pipelines, preferably experience in fish stock assessment (great emphasis is placed on experience with integrated and so-called state-space models, simulations, and management strategy evaluation-MSE), as well as a good scientific publication history. Experience in marine or fisheries management, especially developing and communicating scientific advice, is also an important basis for assessment.

The position requires a doctoral degree in quantitative analysis of biological systems (e.g., statistics, mathematics, modeling, marine biology, fisheries biology, or other relevant fields).

The ability to work independently as well as in teams and to deliver results (reports, analyses, scientific articles) within deadlines is crucial. Good communication skills and a willingness to communicate, both to scientific and public stakeholders, are important. Fluent oral and written skills in English are a requirement. It is a plus if you can communicate in Swedish, and if you do not speak Swedish, we expect you to attempt to learn Swedish when you begin your position (SLU arranges Swedish courses). Focus will be placed on personal qualities such as ability to cooperate, analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently.

About us

At the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), we are passionate about our vision "strong fish stocks in healthy waters." We are growing and seeking employees who want to develop and make a difference together with us. The Department of Aquatic Resources conducts environmental analysis, advice, research, and education in aquatic ecology with a focus on fish and shellfish. The department is SLU's largest and has over 220 employees at four main locations: Lysekil, Uppsala (Ultuna), Öregrund, and Stockholm (Drottningholm), as well as three field stations. Our activities are strongly profiled towards data collection and analysis of fish, fisheries, and ecosystems. The department is characterized by intensive collaboration with the surrounding society. This creates a vital research environment and gives us unique opportunities to produce knowledge that is close to management and directly applicable in practice.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Location:

Lysekil

Employment form:

Permanent employment. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-15.

Union contact persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions 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. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also carried out at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.