Two PhD positions in Animal Ecology

Published: 2021-02-11

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 45,000 students, more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of around SEK 7 billion.

Department of Ecology and Genetics is looking for two enthusiastic PhD students to work within project ReCod in Program of Animal Ecology. The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with research spanning from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. For more information, see www.ieg.uu.se.

The positions are located at Campus Gotland in Visby, and field and laboratory work is conducted at Research Station Ar in northern Gotland. Campus Gotland is an integrated part of Uppsala University. You will have the opportunity to take advantage of the courses organized by the new graduate school in sustainable development. For more information, see www.campusgotland.uu.se.

Project description: Cod is one of the most important fish species in the Baltic Sea, but the Baltic cod population has collapsed during the last decade. One of the main reasons for the population collapse is high mortality at egg stage. Project ReCod, a collaboration between Uppsala University and BalticWaters2030 (www.balticwaters2030.org), aims to develop the methodology to push the cod population through the vulnerable egg stage by releasing hatchery-reared yolk-sac larvae at carefully selected sites. This will be done by producing large number of yolk-sac larvae under optimal conditions in the hatchery. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and rebuild populations of the top fish predator in the Baltic sea. The project is led by Prof Anssi Laurila (scientific leader) and Prof Gunilla Rosenqvist (head of Research station Ar) in collaboration with the project leader from BalticWaters2030.

Position 1: Rebuilding the Baltic cod populations by large-scale release of yolk-sac larvae. The thesis focuses on the methodology of producing, raising and releasing cod eggs and larvae as well as on the success of the releases. You will conduct exploratory fishing and environmental surveys at the release sites to assess factors affecting the establishment success. You will also conduct experimental studies to assess factor affecting establishment success.

Position 2: Phenotypic and genetic variation in early life history of the Baltic cod. The thesis focuses on the role of environmental variation in the performance of cod eggs and larvae and its potential on increasing survival through these stages. Another topic is phenotypic and genetic variation within the eastern population of the Baltic cod. You will use laboratory and field experiments to disentangle how environment and genetics affect survival and performance of early life stages in cod.

Duties: You will work together with several persons to develop a well-adapted methodology for rearing and releasing cod larvae. These will be combined with detailed studies on cod biology to find a well-functioning methodology to rebuild cod populations. You will also participate in teaching at undergraduate level.

Requirements: A master degree (or equivalent) in ecology, marine biology, fisheries biology or a relevant field. We are looking for enthusiastic, highly motivated and independent candidates who must be able to express themselves fluently in spoken and written English. Driving license is required for work in Research station Ar.

Additional qualifications: Good knowledge on statistics (programming in R), experience on aquatic field work and on fish or other aquatic organisms is advantageous.

Application: The application should include 1)a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests, motivation of why you want to do a PhD, if one of the theses interests you more, and why you are suitable for the position, 2)your CV, 3)a short description of your education, 4)a copy of your master degree, your course grades and a copy of your master thesis, 5)the names and contact information to at least two reference persons, and 6)publications produced, The application should be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1. More information about postgraduate studies at Uppsala University is available at http://www.teknat.uu.se/education/postgraduate/. 

Starting date: 01-05-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Prof Anssi Laurila, Anssi.Laurila@ebc.uu.se, +46 18 471 64 93.

Please submit your application by 8 March 2021, UFV-PA 2021/432.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Moving to Gotland? You can find more information about what it is like to live in Gotland here: http://gotland.com/en/move/.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.