Vacant job

About the Job

Biology, behavior, and trophic interactions of seals and cormorants – supporting ecosystem-based management in Swedish waters

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a two-year position focused on the ecology and management of marine top predators. The position aims to advance knowledge regarding seals and cormorants, with a specific focus on ecosystem dynamics, behavior, spatial modeling, and the evaluation of ecological aspects of management measures. Start date is as soon as possible or by agreement.

The appointment is linked to ongoing research projects primarily addressing foraging ecology, movement patterns, and behavior, as well as ecological aspects of management. The objective is to improve the understanding of the dynamics between marine top predators and fish populations through integrated analyses of trophic interactions, movement ecology, behavior, and monitoring data.

The postdoctoral researcher will lead advanced analyses where ecological data is integrated into ecological models. The work is expected to contribute evidence-based foundations for the development of ecosystem-based analyses and management strategies, as well as provide scientific input for discussions regarding conflicts between marine top predators, fisheries, and fish conservation interests. The position involves collaboration with other projects and research groups, as well as responsibility for leading and contributing to scientific publications and reports to the government and national authorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced statistical models linking species occurrence, movement, diet, and behavior to environmental factors.
• Conduct quantitative analyses of trophic interactions, monitoring data, and diet, including the integration of biochemical diet markers (e.g., stable isotopes and/or fatty acids) to analyze dynamics between marine top predators and fish populations.
• Contribute to assessments and evaluations of the ecological effects of management measures for seals and cormorants.
• Lead and contribute to scientific publications in international journals and reports to national authorities.
• Collaborate actively with interdisciplinary research groups as well as internal and external partners.

Qualifications

The applicant must have:

• A PhD in ecology, marine biology, statistics, or a related field.
• Strong competence in statistical modeling.
• Experience in analyzing ecological monitoring data (e.g., telemetry, diet, and population data).
• Good programming skills in e.g., R or Python, and experience with reproducible analysis workflows (e.g., Git).
• Documented experience of scientific publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

The following experiences and competencies are considered assets:

• Analysis of telemetry data for studies of movement patterns, habitat use, and behavior.
• Experience with behavior modeling, e.g., state-space models or hidden Markov models.
• Experience with applied research linked to management or policy development.
• Experience with spatial and spatiotemporal statistical models.
• Experience with diet analysis and/or modeling of trophic interactions.
• Experience with methods in trophic ecology, such as analyses of stable isotopes, fatty acids, or other biochemical markers for studies of diet and food webs.
• Experience processing and analyzing various types of monitoring data for population dynamics and behavior, e.g., aerial or drone surveys, line transects, camera monitoring, or photo-ID.
• Experience with Bayesian statistical modeling.
• Documented ability to handle large ecological datasets and workflows.
• Interest in marine ecology and knowledge of marine or coastal ecosystems.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years. If there are special reasons, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions within trade unions, service within the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

About Us

The Department of Aquatic Resources monitors and evaluates the status and development of aquatic ecosystems and how resource utilization affects them. Research covers studies of the status of fish and shellfish stocks, ecosystem analysis and interactions, spatial analyses, effects of human impact on fish and ecosystems, fishery conservation and fishing methods, aquaculture and its effects. Biological advice for management and sustainable use is one of the department's main tasks, as well as managing Sweden's part of the EU marine data collection program and performing national environmental monitoring. The department is located in seven places, with main locations in Lysekil, Drottningholm, and Öregrund.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Lysekil

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

As soon as possible or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome to apply via the application button below no later than 2026-04-27.

Union Contacts:

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