Postdoctoral Position in Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics

The Department of Ecology, Environment and Botany (DEEP) at Stockholm University is located in the Arrhenius Laboratories on the Frescati campus.

Currently, about 100 people work at the department, including approximately 35 doctoral students and 15 postdoctoral researchers distributed across 25 research groups.

More information about us can be found at: https://www.su.se/enheter/institutionen-for-ekologi-miljo-och-botanik (https://www.su.se/enheter/institutionen-for-ekologi-miljo-och-botanik)

Project Description

The Department of Ecology, Environment and Botany hereby announces a postdoctoral position within the research project “A Digital Twin of Phytoplankton: Creating a Digital Twin of Phytoplankton to Understand Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics Under Global Change.”

The project aims to develop a computational digital twin of phytoplankton communities by integrating trait-based eco-evolutionary theory, high-frequency in situ data from environmental monitoring, and methods in machine learning. Using a unique long-term dataset, the project will reconstruct fitness and growth functions that govern phytoplankton populations and communities under varying environmental and biotic conditions. The overarching goal is to improve mechanistic understanding and predictive ability regarding community reorganization and adaptation under environmental change.

The project is led by Professor Jon Norberg (Stockholm University) in close collaboration with Dr. Francesco Pomati (Eawag, Switzerland) and is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR).

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research within the VR-funded project. The main responsibilities include:

• Developing and analyzing eco-evolutionary and trait-based models of phytoplankton communities.
• Applying machine learning and scientific machine learning (SciML) to infer fitness and growth dynamics from observational data.
• Integrating dynamic system models with high-frequency ecological time series data.
• Contributing to the interpretation of model results in an ecological and evolutionary context.
• Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and actively participating in project meetings and collaborations.

The position is primarily computational and theory-oriented, but close collaboration with empirical data and interdisciplinary cooperation is a central part of the work.

Eligibility Requirements

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

Assessment Criteria

It is advantageous 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 advantageous. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, union duties, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments in the subject area.

In the recruitment process, particular emphasis will be placed on scientific excellence and research competence, especially in one or more of the following areas:

• Eco-evolutionary theory or ecological modeling.
• Trait-based or community-level analysis in ecology.
• Dynamic systems, mathematical or computational modeling.
• Machine learning or data-driven modeling applied to ecological systems.

Experience working with large ecological datasets, programming (e.g., Julia, Python, or similar), and interdisciplinary research is highly meritorious. Excellent proficiency in English (the working language of the group) is required. The postdoctoral researcher should be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Creativity, analytical skills, and scientific curiosity are desirable personal qualities.

About the Position

The position is full-time for two years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Start date is 2026-09-01 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 enjoy favorable conditions. The university is located in the National Urban 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

For inquiries about the position, please contact Professor Jon Norberg, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Application

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

Instructions for applicants can be found on the webpage: https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-på-su/att-söka-en-anställning (https://www.su.se/om-universitetet/jobba-p%C3%A5-su/att-s%C3%B6ka-en-anst%C3%A4llning).

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