Karlstads universitet / Fakulteten för hälsa, natur- och teknikvetenskap / Institutionen för miljö- och livsvetenskaper

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and perseverance. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. We are located in an active and scenic region and we promote sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider society.
 
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 19,000 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
 
More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

Description
The Faculty of Health Science and Technology has an opening for one full-time graduate student position leading to a Licentiate degree at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences in Biology in the field of stream fish ecology and habitat use. The position is a full-time position for 2 years with the possibility of continuation depending upon future decision.

The River Ecology and Management Research Group (NRRV), a research group within the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences at Karlstad University, conducts both basic and applied research inrivers, lakes and the surrounding landscape. The group is interested in the sustainable use of naturalresources in watersheds, working for solutions to environmental problems that benefit both society and nature. Areas of research addressed by the research group include river connectivity and the effects of hydropower, aquatic-terrestrial interactions, winter ecology under global climate change, endangered species, conservation biology and social-ecological research relating to river regulation and recreational fishing (www.kau.se/biology/research; nrrv.se). Many research topics are conducted in collaboration with stakeholders from industry, administrative agencies, interest organizations and landowners as well as with the group’s extensive international research network.

The group was recently selected as a ‘Strong Research Environment’ by Karlstad University, and has received directed funding to further develop the group’s research profile. This doctoral position is part of the strategy to develop the group, focusing on one of the group’s three core interests, riverine habitat ecology and conservation. The successful candidate will study the behaviour and ecology of stream fishes in relation to this theme. The specific research questions to be addressed will be decided in consultation with the candidate. Areas of particular interest are (1) studies of habitat use of salmonid fishes in relation to physical and biological factors and (2) relating fish habitat use to river habitat and flow restoration through lab, field, and modelling studies

Education and duties
The graduate program leading to a Licentiate degree consists of 120 credits, including the dissertation. Doctoral students may also be assigned departmental duties, such as teaching. Doctoral students are also expected to be involved in the daily work of the Department. 

Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program, candidates must fulfill both the general and special eligibility requirements, as well as be deemed to have the ability to successfully complete the doctoral program (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, § 35).

General eligibility
A person who has earned a master’s degree of at least 240 ECTS credits of which at least 60 ECTS credits are studies at the master’s level, or who in some other way in the country or abroad has acquired largely equivalent knowledge has general eligibility for admission. If there are special reasons for doing so, the faculty board may grant an individual applicant exemption from the general eligibility (Higher Education Ordinance, Ch.6).

Special eligibility
To be eligible for admission to graduate studies in Biology requires that one has at least 120 credits in Biology, including a 30 credit independent research course at the Magister or Master´s level (or the equivalent).

Assessment grounds
The successful candidate is the person deemed best to be able to successfully complete the educational program and produce a dissertation of high scientific quality and originality. Of particular importance is the applicant's academic performance, in terms of grades and course breadth, as well as the quality of their advanced-level, independent research work (30 credits). We prefer candidates with previous experience in experimental ecology. Also of merit are 1) experience working with fish and invertebrate sampling in field and lab, and 2) good quantitative and computer programming skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required. The applicant is expected to work at the university and participate in our research environment. In addition, emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as good interpersonal skills, ability to establish good relations with others and the ability to take initiative and show commitment to the initiatives of others.

Admission
Admission occurs after individual evaluation of all candidates. The starting date for the position is as soon as possible, preferably by September 1st at the latest. Location of employment is Karlstad.

Applications
The application is done electronically and attachments can be uploaded:

  • A verified CV
  • Copies of relevant publications
  • A letter to demonstrate the applicant’s research interests in relation to the announced position
  • Copies of relevant diplomas, certificates and recommendation letters

Non-electronic documents (state registration number REK 2017/198) can be sent to:

Karlstad University
Faculty of Health, Science and Technology
Att: Åsa Ivansson
651 88 Karlstad, Sweden

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and declines any contacts fromadvertising or recruitment agencies.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2017-09-01
Salary According to local agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Karlstad
County Värmlands län
Country Sweden
Reference number REK2017/198
Contact
  • Liselotte Englund, Head of the Department, +46 54 700 1988
  • John Piccolo, Associate Professor, +46 (0)54 700 1042, +46 (0)76 788 7475
Union representative
  • Thomas Bragefors, SACO, +46 (0)54 700 1714
  • Tony Ingemarsson, OFR , +46 (0) 54 700 1404
  • Denita Gustavsson, OFR, +46 (0) 54700 1434
Published 21.Jun.2017
Last application date 25.Jul.2017 11:59 PM CEST

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