Project Assistant in Fish Ecology

Sapere Aude – dare to be wise – is our motto. Our students and employees develop socially important knowledge that enriches the individual and the world. Our academic environment is characterized by curiosity, courage, and openness, and there is a close connection between people, roles, subjects, and research. The foundation of our operations is equality, diversity, and a democratic perspective. We are located in Värmland, a nature-rich and culturally rich region where we are a driving force for sustainable development in close collaboration with society.

Karlstad University has approximately 1,400 employees and 17,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. Read more about us at: https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss (https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss)

Description

We are looking for a project assistant who will lead fieldwork focusing on the behavior and ecology of migratory fish.

We offer an opportunity to gain practical experience in an established research environment and work with migratory fish species such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and ide (Leuciscus idus). As a project assistant, you will be part of the research group Natural Resources Running Water (https://www.nrrv.se/ (https://www.nrrv.se/)) within freshwater biology at Karlstad University. Examples of the type of projects you will participate in can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15770 (https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15770).

Responsibilities

The tasks primarily include: 1) planning and capturing fish, 2) planning and executing the installation of acoustic receivers in Emån, 3) surgically tagging fish with acoustic telemetry transmitters, and 4) downloading and analyzing data on the movements of tagged fish.

The work will mainly take place in the field at Emån, Kalmar County. Preparations, planning, and analysis will primarily occur at Karlstad University. To contribute to a good work environment and the development of the operations, you will be present and participate in the daily work and community.

Eligibility Requirements

For employment, the applicant must have:

• A master's degree in a relevant subject area within biology (e.g., focusing on fish ecology)
• Documented experience and certification in handling fish and working with surgical tagging of fish, particularly salmon and/or trout smolt
• Documented experience in planning and conducting large-scale studies with acoustic telemetry
• Documented extensive experience in analyzing telemetry data with Time-to-event using Cox proportional hazards models
• Good knowledge of Swedish and English
• Driver's license (B)

Great emphasis will be placed on:

• Personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, good judgment, responsibility, commitment to the operations, and a positive attitude towards colleagues and students, as well as the ability to work independently as well as in a group.

Meritorious

• Experience with the programming language R

Conditions

The position is full-time and temporary for five months, with a preliminary start in April 2026 or by agreement. There is a possibility of extension, subject to additional external funding.

Application

Applications are made through the university's web-based recruitment tool Varbi.

You are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement, that any documents in languages other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or English are translated, and that your qualifications are documented in a way that allows for an objective, qualitative assessment. A complete application must be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may result in your qualifications not being assessed in all respects.

The application should include:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Documented description of qualifications in relation to the content of the position
• Copies of diplomas, certificates, and degree certificates
• Two references, of which at least one is a former or current supervisor

All documents you wish to be part of your application should be attached to the digital application (not links). Name each uploaded document clearly indicating its contents.

Application deadline: 2026-03-22

Reference number: REK2026/38

Welcome with your application!

Karlstad University has made a medieval decision for this recruitment, and we therefore request no contact with advertising sellers of recruitment services.

HR Excellence in Research

Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award in September 2020. The award is given to employers who have a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and continuously work to develop these. The award demonstrates the institution's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more at https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss/karlstads-universitet-som-arbetsgivare/human-resources-strategi-forskare-hrs4r (https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss/karlstads-universitet-som-arbetsgivare/human-resources-strategi-forskare-hrs4r)