Postdoctoral fellow in Environmental Science and Aquatic Ecology at CEC - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Effects of invasive species on the Hanöbukten bay and Baltic Sea ecosystems - threats and opportunities.

The ecosystem of the Baltic Sea is in many ways unique, where many of the species have local adaptations to their surroundings. But this sensitive environment is increasingly threatened, by e.g. climate changes, pollution and invasive species. An invasive species is defined as a species that has spread to new ecosystems where it establishes itself and causes extensive disruptions in the ecosystem. For example, one major recent concern is the spread and migration of the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), a bottom-living fish originating from the Black and Caspian seas. Invasive species can in the near future lead to extensive ecological changes in the already sensitive area in the southern Baltic Sea, but there is today limited knowledge of how these sensitive systems will react to the new species.

We are seeking a person who can work in an ongoing research project on the spread of invasive species in aquatic environments, which includes mapping of fish communities in coastal and river environments, habitat requirements for invasive species in marine environments and dispersal possibilities to river habitats influenced by management actions and climate change. The postdoc will be part of an interdisciplinary research environment with expert knowledge in ecological processes, modeling, water resource engineering and policy work.

The goal is that the results will directly contribute to the management of coastal habitats and ecosystems, and in the long term the sustainable use of their ecosystem services. In addition, communication with decision makers and local authorities in the region is an important part of the project.

Duties

The work consists of field work, experimental studies and laboratory work.

The field work includes both traditional fish surveys and collection of water samples from different areas along the Hanöbukten bay and connected rivers for eDNA analysis.

The laboratory analyses focus on developing and validating methods for eDNA, environmental DNA barcoding, a new technology that makes it possible to survey species presence in aquatic environments.

There will also be experimental analyses of round goby behavior, adaptations to different environmental factors / variables, competitive interactions between goby and local fish species, and the effect of predators on survival.

Qualifications

Requirements

• PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, in ecology, molecular biology or environmental science. A background in other research fields could also be considered if directly relevant for the position
• Documented experience in molecular techniques for biological monitoring, such as eDNA and metabarcoding, and statistics
• Very good knowledge of English, in both spoken and written terms
• Good documented ability to develop and perform high quality research, preferably across traditional subject boundaries
• Very good ability to compile and write scientific text
• Driver’s license

Meriting

• Knowledge about metacommunity or foodweb analysis, GIS or programming in R
• Experience of field work in aquatic environments or studies of invasive species
• Experience from work with decision-making bodies / actors

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within CEC, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.