Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC)

Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC) explores how people and nature can live and thrive within the planet's boundaries.

The centre is a collaboration between Stockholm University and the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. We bring together people from around the world to research, study, and collaborate for a vibrant and resilient biosphere that enables well-being for all.

More information about us can be found at: Stockholm Resilience Centre (https://www.stockholmresilience.su.se).

Project Description

The position is part of the project “Diversity in process – Towards multispecies assemblages for biodiversity governance (MultiDiv)” funded through the Biodiversa+ initiative Biodiversity and Transformative Change (www.biodiversa.eu). The project is interdisciplinary and brings together researchers from Sweden, France, Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Germany to study challenges related to biodiversity and its governance in selected case studies from a relational perspective. Based on the concept of multispecies assemblages and a processual understanding of diversity as situational and emergent, the project aims to develop a new way to conceptualize and manage three interconnected crises: loss of biodiversity, pollution, and climate change. Multispecies assemblages (MSA) include humans as one species among others and enable the analysis of multi-scalar entanglements and interactions between these crises.

The project will configure multispecies assemblages around blue crab in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) and salinization in Camargue (France). The work combines participatory mapping, interviews, ecological fieldwork, ethnography, art-based methods, and relational simulation modeling in interdisciplinary processes. The aim is to investigate ecological and socio-spatial changes, existing biodiversity governance systems, and to develop multispecies ethnographies to better understand the specific organization and the spatial and temporal dynamics within MSA.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities include: i) development and analysis of relational models for multispecies assemblages configured through inter- and transdisciplinary processes in the two case studies, focusing on how entanglements develop and affect system dynamics, ii) support for exploring scenarios for multispecies governance, and iii) contribution to the further development of relational modeling methodology. Relational modeling builds on agent-based modeling but focuses on relationships rather than individual agents, emphasizing the role of researchers and their tools in creating both the model and the knowledge generated (Schlüter et al. 2025, Klein et al. 2024). The postdoctoral researcher is also expected to support the scientific coordination of the project, as well as synthesis and comparison between the two case studies and in relation to the broader Mediterranean region.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the position of postdoctoral researcher, a PhD or foreign degree deemed equivalent to a relevant doctorate is required. The degree must be completed by the time the employment decision is made.

Assessment Criteria

It is meritorious if the PhD or equivalent has been obtained no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an earlier degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments within trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant assignments in the subject area.

In the appointment process, particular importance will be attached to scientific competence.

In the assessment process, special attention will be paid to:

• Background in socio-ecological modeling, natural resource management, sustainability science, relevant social sciences, environmental humanities, or related fields.
• Documented expertise in agent-based modeling, including experience in integrating various types of data and knowledge sources, such as qualitative data.
• Knowledge of social science theories and approaches.
• Experience in inter- and transdisciplinary research.
• Ability to critically reflect on modeling and knowledge production processes from an ethical and philosophical perspective.
• Ability to work both independently and in teams in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Good analytical skills, documented through scientific publications, reports, or theses relevant to the position.
• Experience in modeling in knowledge creation processes together with stakeholders is meritorious.
• Knowledge of relational philosophies or multispecies approaches is meritorious.
• Previous work on issues related to biodiversity is meritorious.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written; knowledge of French or Arabic is meritorious.

About the Position

The position is full-time and permanent, but at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date 2026-04-01 or by agreement.

We Offer

With us, you will experience the dynamics of the interplay between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international setting and receive favorable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.

Stockholm University is committed to being a workplace free from discrimination and providing equal rights and opportunities for all.

Contact

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Maja Schlüter, phone 073-460 49 10, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

You apply for the position through Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV, as well as the documents requested in the application form. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: how to apply for a position (https://www.su.se/att-soka-en-anstallning).

Stockholm University contributes to the development of a sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment, and the pursuit of truth.