Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environment

We are looking for research assistants for the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environment, SLU Umeå.

About the job

The position includes various types of fieldwork with certain responsibilities within the framework of the department's areas of activity. This includes, for example, feces and grazing pressure inventory of ungulates, ÄBIN, setting up insect traps, capturing small mammals and birds, assisting in the capture of salmon smolt, test fishing, collecting plant samples, data entry, handling collected samples from the field, among other tasks. The tasks may vary during the season. We will offer a place where we believe your skills will be best utilized.

Since we operate throughout Sweden, there will periodically be work at several different locations in the country, so you are therefore expected to travel and be away from home for extended periods. We usually stay in cabins/hostels with shared kitchens and bathrooms when we are in the field.

This is an opportunity for you who want to work and thrive in nature while gaining insight into the exciting world of research.

Your background

Personal qualities are highly valued. We are looking for responsible and meticulous individuals with good judgment. Applicants should have good organizational skills and be able to work with a methodical and careful approach. You will work both independently and in a group, so we are looking for individuals with good communication and collaboration skills who can also work independently. You should have good field experience and physical fitness as some projects involve long daily walks in forests and fields.

Requirements:

• Applicants must have at least a B driver's license with good driving experience, and feel comfortable driving on motor and forest roads.
• Applicants must have good language skills in English.
• Applicants must have a biological/ecological university education at least at the bachelor's level (or ongoing) or equivalent documented competence.
• Applicants must have good field experience and practical experience in field inventories.
• Applicants must also be able to handle GPS and compass.

Meritorious:

• Completed course in ethics and handling of experimental animals
• Practical experience working with wild animals (capture, handling, tracking, feces, etc.)
• Experience in insect sorting
• Knowledge of vegetation
• Computer skills (Excel, R, QGIS or equivalent)
• Boat experience
• Chainsaw license

About us

Who are we?

SLU solves real problems for a living world – and we challenge established knowledge through critical thinking and a curious, open perspective. Our activities encompass plants, animals, and people worldwide.

Our focus is related to forests, agriculture, and water. VFM's activities are essential parts of SLU's strive to be a world-class university in life and environmental sciences. VFM contributes to the vision through education, research, and environmental analysis in collaboration with the surrounding community. Our activities have an impact and relevance.

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 or based on the main core area of the research projects.

Employment form:

Seasonal employment

Extent:

100% or as agreed.

Start date:

As agreed. The greatest need arises during the period April-October, but can be adjusted depending on the needs of individual research projects and your possibilities.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-02-19.

Union contact persons:

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 life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a 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 throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an 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.