Postdoctoral Researcher in Coastal Ecology

Postdoctoral Researcher in Coastal Ecology

Stockholm University

Stockholm, Sweden

Project description

Coastal ecosystems in the Baltic Sea have high ecological and societal value and there is an increasing demand for scientific support for effective management and restoration of coastal habitats. This is particularly true of coastal vegetation habitats, which are important for biodiversity and, at the same time, influence the exchange of greenhouse gases between the ocean and the atmosphere and play a key role in natural carbon sequestration. In coastal systems, restoration outcomes depend both on local environmental conditions and links to offshore marine areas, which means that restoration success may be constrained or amplified by processes operating far beyond the intervention site. For example, large portions of the Baltic Sea coast and archipelagos are burdened by high offshore nutrient concentrations, while other areas have more significant impact from local nutrient input sources.

The project aims to quantitatively explore temporal and spatial connections and disconnections between open sea conditions and coastal vegetation habitats, using existing observed and modelled datasets on different temporal and spatial scales. The aim is to improve understanding of the importance of local, regional and large-scale drivers for coastal vegetation ecosystems, and how this, in turn, affects greenhouse gas turnover and the vegetation’s role as a natural carbon sink. The goal is to support efficient management of coastal habitats in the Baltic Sea and beyond.

Main responsibilities

Research will involve collaboration, management and analysis of existing datasets on benthic vegetation, oceanography and climate variables from the Baltic Sea.

Specific tasks include:

• Spatial and/or time-series analyses of ecological data;
• Data collation and curation;
• Writing and publishing scientific papers in international journals;
• Collaboration with researchers at the Baltic Sea Centre;
• Participation in outreach activities to disseminate project results.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

The applicant must hold a PhD in marine or freshwater ecology or related fields.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills within the categories listed below.

The successful candidate should have one or more of the following merits:

• Experience and knowledge of marine- and/or freshwater ecology, primarily ecology of benthic ecosystems;
• Familiarity with coastal areas of the Baltic Sea or similar areas;
• Experience and proficiency in numerical data analyses;
• Experience with GIS and geographical analyses;
• Ability to communicate in English, both written and orally;
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse research team;
• Publications in a relevant field.