Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies

The researcher will be based at the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies at SLU in Umeå.

About the Job

The Project:

The researcher will work within the project “Ecological Effects of Pharmaceuticals in Aquatic Environments.” The focus of the project is to investigate whether/how a changed environment will affect the impacts of pharmaceuticals on, for example, animal behavior in watercourses that we observe today and how this, in turn, affects ecosystem effects. The researcher will study how, for example, temperature and wastewater containing behavior-altering pharmaceuticals, such as SSRIs and benzodiazepines, together affect freshwater fish in northern ecosystems and how these fish species interact with each other (e.g., predation, competition). These studies will be conducted in a combination of large-scale field trials and controlled lab experiments.

Responsibilities:

As a researcher in this project, you will plan and conduct a combination of field studies and experiments that involve both fundamental research questions and more applied research regarding the ecological effects of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments. Both wild fish from northern ecosystems and model organisms (e.g., cichlids, sticklebacks, guppies) may be included as study organisms. The researcher is also expected to collaborate with researchers in other ongoing projects at the department, such as the effects of invasive species or ecological effects of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments.

Your Background

Qualifications:

• The applicant has a PhD in ecology, psychology, biology, or equivalent.
• Experience in behavioral ecological research focusing on fish.
• Good knowledge of fish ecology and experience in study design.
• Good knowledge of statistics.
• Experience in fieldwork and laboratory work.
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently organize and prioritize work.
• Excellent language skills in English, both spoken and written.

About Us

The department offers a creative and stimulating environment and conducts internationally recognized applied and fundamental research, education, and environmental monitoring in the following subject areas: restoration ecology, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology, and zooecology (see here (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/forskning/amnesomraden/)). The department has a large proportion of international staff and well-established national and international collaborations with opportunities for rewarding exchanges.

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

Location:

Umeå

Employment Type:

Permanent position. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Extent:

20%

Start Date:

May 1, 2025, or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-04-01.

Union Contacts:

Union contacts (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and 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 conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.