Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Biology, Focus on Individual-Based Modelling of Stream Fish Populations - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description

The Faculty of Health Science and Technology has an opening for one full-time post-doctoral research fellow in Biology at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences in the field of Ecological Modelling, with a focus on individual-based modelling of stream fish populations in hydropower-regulated rivers.

The River Ecology and Management Research Group (RivEM), a research environment within the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences at Karlstad University, conducts both basic and applied research in and along rivers and lakes and their surrounding landscapes. The research group is interested in the sustainable use of natural resources in watersheds, working for solutions to environmental problems that benefit both society and nature. Areas of research addressed by RivEM include river connectivity and the effects of hydropower, aquatic- terrestrial interactions and habitats, winter ecology under global climate change, endangered species such as unionid mussels, conservation biology and social-ecological research relating to river regulation and recreational fishing (https://www.kau.se/en/biology; http://www.nrrv.se). Within many of these topics, research is conducted in collaboration with stakeholders from industry, administrative agencies, interest organizations and landowners.

Duties

Hydroelectric power is a key means of transforming to a fossil-free society, but damming of rivers for hydropower has also been a major driver of declines in aquatic biodiversity. This project will focus on developing ways to protect and restore stream habitat for salmonid fishes in hydropower-regulated rivers.

The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced individual-based models (IBMs) for Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and European grayling under various river management scenarios. Research will be conducted in collaboration with stakeholders from hydropower, county administration and municipalities, and NGOs. The applicant is expected to be active at the university and participate in the research environment.

The position may include 20 % teaching or other academic duties in the Department. 

Qualification requirements

To be eligible for the postdoctoral appointment, applicants are required to hold a PhD (or to be completed before the decision about the employment is taken) in in ecology, related fields for the appointment or have equivalent qualifications achieved abroad. The candidate must have completed the degree no more than three years before the application deadline.

Qualifications obtained earlier may be considered if there are special grounds, such as sick leave, parental leave, clinical service, service as a union representative, or similar.

Assessment criteria

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate with experience in aquatic ecology and ecological modelling.

In the selection process, special weight will be given to the applicant's research skills, as demonstrated by the quality of the applicant’s PhD thesis, published scientific articles and other scientific merits. Special weight will also be given to the applicant’s knowledge in ecological modelling.

In the selection process, considerable weight will be given to the applicant's scientific experience in individual based modelling, geographic information systems (GIS) and hydraulic modelling. Considerable weight will also be given to the ability to cooperate and establish good relations with colleagues, as well as the ability to work independently and to take initiatives.

Weight will be given to the applicant's interest and knowledge salmonid ecology. Weight will also be given to the experience of collaborating with stakeholders and communicating research.

Completed pedagogical education is a merit, as well as a driver’s license as some practical work will be performed in the field.

Terms

The position is a full-time employment for 24 months, starting on Jaunary 2, 2023, or by agreement between the applicant and the employer. An extension of one year is possibile depending upon funding availability.

Further information

Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organisation. We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities, and life experiences.

Application

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted no later than the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications. Include two references, at least one of which should be from a current or previous supervisor.

The application should include the following documents:

• Cover letter describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position
• CV
• List of publications
• Copies of relevant transcripts, degree certificates, certificates to verify previous employment, and letters of recommendation
• Copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
• Information about language skills

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Documents that cannot be submitted electronically, such as books or publications, should be sent to:

Karlstads universitet
Josefin Rönnqvist
651 88 Karlstad

State the ref.no: REK2022/190

Application deadline: 2022-08-31

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.