Vacant job

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

Ongoing climate change and land use are putting significant pressure on boreal freshwater ecosystems, particularly the smallest watercourses. In Sweden, extreme droughts and floods are becoming increasingly common. At the same time, millions of kilometers of small watercourses are subjected to stress from forestry. These anthropogenic stresses lead to several stress factors (e.g., elevated temperature and sediment) that may interact with potentially complex outcomes for biological communities and ecosystem functions in small watercourses. Our limited understanding of such interactions hinders predictions of impacts on small forest streams and the development of potential protection strategies. This project investigates how freshwater communities and ecosystem functions respond to disturbances caused by hydrological extremes and forestry pressure. The project will use both traditional and groundbreaking methods, including DNA metabarcoding, to assess the responses of aquatic biodiversity.

About the job

The postdoctoral researcher will be part of a large collaborative project AquaBioEx (Identifying, understanding and managing aquatic biodiversity in intensively managed forests and under an increasingly extreme climate) funded by Formas and led by the principal investigators Associate Prof. Lenka Kuglerová and Prof. Brendan McKie. The main responsibility of the postdoctoral researcher is to investigate how forestry adjacent to watercourses affects freshwater organisms, including macroinvertebrates, bacteria, and/or primary producers, in both field and mesocosm studies. In combination with forestry impacts, the project will also include investigations of climate-driven hydrological extremes, including floods and droughts. The postdoctoral researcher will also work with various methods for managing riparian zones and study whether riparian zones can mitigate the effects of hydrological extremes. Study sites are already established across Sweden, and experimental facilities, including fluvial mesocosms and dam infrastructure, are available in the Krycklan catchment at the Svartberget field station.

Your background

We are looking for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong interest in watercourses and riparian systems, including understanding the resilience of these systems to disturbances. The candidate should hold a PhD in ecology, preferably with a specialization in freshwater ecology, limnology, or a related field. We are particularly seeking candidates with relevant experience in sampling and analyzing biodiversity in freshwater, while skills in quantifying ecosystem processes (e.g., litter decomposition, ecosystem metabolism, algal biomass growth) and/or identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates are also highly desirable. Well-developed skills in statistical analysis using R are highly meritorious, as is knowledge of DNA metabarcoding and forestry methods and their effects. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to work independently and write well in English, as well as having published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Evidence of successful participation in group projects is highly desirable. A valid driver's license is required.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About us

The Department of Forest Ecology and Management consists of approximately 115 people, of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to enhance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how forest ecosystems can best be managed today and in the future. For more information about the department, see: http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/ (http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/)

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

Location:

Umeå

Employment type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months

Extent:

100%

Start date:

April 1, 2025, or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-02-14.

Your application should be written in English and include: 1) A personal letter (max 1 page) and a research plan including CV describing your qualifications (max 3 pages) 2. Names and contact details of two references. 3. Doctoral degree certificate.

Union contacts:

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

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, grounded in 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 with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.