Postdoctoral Researcher in Coastal Ecology
Stockholm University's Baltic Sea Centre (ÖC) conducts research on the environment of the Baltic Sea and supports the research and education regarding the Baltic Sea carried out at various departments at Stockholm University (SU). ÖC works with a focus on science communication to authorities and other stakeholders. ÖC hosts the Baltic Nest Institute (BNI), which focuses on large-scale effects of nutrient inflow and climate change on the Baltic Sea through modeling and data analysis to support work against eutrophication. BNI's work has, for example, resulted in quantitative caps for nutrient emissions that have been politically agreed upon throughout the region. ÖC also has a very active group for coastal ecosystems that focuses on the effects of a variety of anthropogenic stressors and on different management options to improve the state of these ecosystems. Additionally, ÖC plays a coordinating role in SU's marine activities within the framework of the ”Center for Coastal Ecosystem and Climate Change Research”.
Read more about us at Stockholm University's Baltic Sea Centre.
Project Description
The Baltic Sea's coastal ecosystems have great ecological and societal value, and there is a growing need for scientific support for effective management and restoration of coastal environments. This applies not least to coastal vegetation environments, which are important for biodiversity and simultaneously affect the exchange of greenhouse gases between the sea and the atmosphere and play an important role for natural carbon sequestration. At the coast, the results of restoration efforts depend both on local environmental conditions and on connections to marine areas further out at sea, which means that the conditions for success can be limited or enhanced by processes occurring far beyond the site of an action. For example, large parts of the Baltic Sea coast and the archipelago are burdened by high nutrient concentrations at sea, while other areas are more affected by local nutrient sources.
The project aims to quantitatively investigate temporal and spatial connections between the conditions in the open Baltic Sea and coastal vegetation environments, using existing observed and modeled datasets on different temporal and spatial scales. The purpose is to improve the understanding of how local, regional, and large-scale factors affect underwater vegetation and how this in turn affects the turnover of greenhouse gases and the vegetation's function as a natural carbon sink. The goal is to support effective management of coastal environments in the Baltic Sea and other seas.
Tasks
The research will involve collection, management, and analysis of existing datasets regarding
benthic vegetation, oceanography, and climate variables from the Baltic Sea.
Concrete tasks include:
spatial analyses and/or time series analyses of ecological data collection and management of data writing scientific articles in international journals collaboration with researchers at the Baltic Sea Centre engaging in research communication towards different target groups to disseminate project results.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for employment as a postdoc, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree assessed to correspond to a relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be awarded by the time the employment decision is made.
Assessment Criteria
It is meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent was awarded no more than three years before the last application date. If there are special reasons, an earlier degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service within the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
The applicant must have a doctoral degree in marine or limnic ecology or related fields.
Upon appointment, special weight will be attached to scientific skills listed below.
The successful candidate should have one or more of the following merits:
Experience and knowledge in marine and/or freshwater ecology, primarily ecology in benthic ecosystems.
Good knowledge of the Baltic Sea coastal areas or similar areas. Experience and skill in numerical data analysis. Experience with GIS and geographical analyses. Ability to communicate in English, both written and oral. Good social competence and ability to work in a multicultural research team. Publications within a relevant field.
About the employment
The employment is intended to be full-time and is valid indefinitely for two years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Commencement as soon as possible or by agreement.
We offer
With us, you get the dynamics in the interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.
Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for all.
Contact
Information about the employment is provided by Sofia Wikström, sofia.wikstrom@su.se, or Bo Gustafsson, bo.gustafsson@su.se.
Application
You apply for the position via Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it is provided to the university no later than the last application date.
Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: applying for a job.
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