Vacant job

Department of Aquatic Resources

Doctoral Subject:

Biology

Description of the PhD Project:

A PhD position in biology with a specialization in aquatic ecology is available at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The theme of the PhD project revolves around the management and conservation of critically endangered species, with a focus on the eel (Anguilla).

The release or reintroduction of juvenile fish is a widespread management method used to compensate for population declines or losses. This conservation measure has strong political and practitioner support, but releases can have negative ecological and evolutionary effects on populations, food webs, and ecosystems.

The effects of releases in species where releases are based on the translocation of wild-caught juveniles, such as eel, are poorly understood. The focus of this project is to address some of the knowledge gaps through laboratory experiments, field trials, analysis of long-term time series, and a systematic review of the literature. The main research questions to be answered are:

• What behavioral and physiological differences exist between naturally recruiting and imported, quarantined, juvenile European eel?
• What are the differences in migration behavior and mortality between naturally recruiting and imported, quarantined, juvenile European eel?
• What are the long-term effects of releases on mortality, growth, and production in natural freshwater and coastal ecosystems?
• Additionally, a goal of this project is to produce a systematic evidence database on the effects of releases of European and Japanese eel, to communicate the effects of releases and enable future research.

Job Responsibilities:

The main task is to conduct the PhD studies under supervision, which includes developing methodological experience (e.g., laboratory work, field work, meta-analysis), analytical skills (statistics), writing ability (first authorship in scientific publications), presentation skills, and the development of the student's theoretical depth and breadth.

To answer the above questions, the PhD student will perform experiments in the laboratory and in the field on live animals, including handling and care of eels, behavioral and physiological experiments, marking and tracking of eels in the field, and more. The work will be carried out at the fish laboratories at SLU Aqua in Stockholm, at the field station Kristineberg (Swedish west coast), and in the field for tracking migration behavior (rivers in Sweden, primarily the Kävlinge River in southern Sweden). Laboratory work also includes otolith analysis. The PhD student will also participate in the analysis of several large datasets with over 40 years of monitoring data. A systematic evidence database will be created regarding the effects of releasing European and Japanese eel, to evaluate the results of two closely related species under different conditions: wild-caught versus captive-bred releases.

The position involves close collaboration with Professor Fredrik Jutfelt at the University of Gothenburg and Professor Anders Nilsson at Lund University. This offers opportunities for collaboration with a large network of researchers in Europe, Australia, and Canada, via The FINclub and The Jutfelt Ecophysiology Lab.

Examples of tasks:

• Lead various laboratory and field experiments on eels
• Microchemical analysis of otoliths
• Systematic evidence mapping
• Robust data management and analysis
• Write scientific articles
• Present at meetings and conferences
• Teaching or other university duties (optional)

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is met by those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits at advanced level, or who in other ways within or outside the country have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Special eligibility to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject of Biology is held by those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in courses in biology and relevant subjects. These must include an independent project, and at least 30 higher education credits must be at advanced level. For others, special eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis with regard to the research task.

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your Background:

• Experience with animal experiments and/or field work.
• Experience working with fish is meritorious but not a requirement.
• Experience with relevant practical and statistical methods.
• Experience in independent writing.
• Experience with systematic evidence mapping is meritorious but not a requirement.
• Experience analyzing large, long-term datasets is meritorious but not a requirement.
• Good teamwork skills.
• Ability to contribute to a good working climate.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and oral.
• A driver's license is meritorious for the field studies.
• Great emphasis is placed on personal qualities, such as teamwork skills, analytical and problem-solving ability, and the ability to work independently.

About Us:

At the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), we are passionate about the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic animals, including fish. We are geographically distributed across Sweden, and this PhD position will be based in Stockholm at the Freshwater Laboratory, beautifully located in the countryside on Lovön, right by Lake Mälaren in Drottningholm.

Read more about SLU Aqua: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/akvatiska-resurser/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/akvatiska-resurser/)

Read more about SLU's doctoral education: http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/)

Employment Type and Salary:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)

The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Drottningholm, Stockholm

Start Date:

2026-09-01, or by agreement

Application and Selection:

Apply via the button below by 2026-07-06.

Read more about the attachments your application should include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/)

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and should be made with regard to the ability to complete the education within the specified time.