PhD student, development eDNA approaches for fish monitoring
Do you want to work in an inspiring environment and contribute to the sustainable use of our oceans, lakes and watercourses? We at the Department of Aquatic resources (SLU Aqua) are passionate about our vision "Viable fish stocks in healthy waters". We´re expanding, searching for employees who want to develop themselves and make a difference together with us. The Department of Aquatic Resources conducts environmental monitoring and assessment, consulting, research and education in aquatic ecology with focus on fish and shellfish. The department is SLU's largest and has more than 180 employees at three main locations: Lysekil, Öregrund and Stockholm (Drottningholm), as well as four field stations. The department is highly focused on data collection and analysis of fish, fisheries and ecosystems, and is characterized by intensive collaborations with industry, public agencies and NGO:s. This creates a vital research environment and gives us unique opportunities to develop knowledge with high societal impact.
We look forward to receiving your application
Duties:
eDNA is a rapidly developing tool for science-based management of aquatic environments. However, methodological issues remain before quantitative eDNA can be used practically. The northern pike is one of the most important recreational fish species in Sweden, as well as a keystone predator important for ecosystem health and functioning. Despite its ecological and socioeconomic importance, pike has been neglected in monitoring. One reason being the low catchability of pike using traditional monitoring methods. This PhD project will focus on developing and evaluating the performance of eDNA-based methods for monitoring northern pike.
The position entails planning and executing a combination of controlled laboratory and outdoor experiments in fish tanks and ponds, fieldwork (including electrofishing and rod-fishing) and modern molecular genetic techniques to develop and systematically evaluate the usability of an eDNA approach to provide non-invasive quantitative estimates of northern pike abundance.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic person with an interest in molecular ecology, ecological genomics, fish monitoring and aquatic biology. Preferably, the applicant’s university degree focuses on genetics, molecular biology, ecology or fish biology. The applicant is expected to be fluent in English, both in speech and writing. Emphasis will be placed on personal skills, such as the ability to work independently as well as in a group, attention to detail and an ability to prioritize and multitask. Documented experience of practical work with molecular methods or in experimental ecology is an advantage.
Place of work:
Drottningholm, Stockholm.
Forms for funding or employment:
Employment 4 years.
Starting date:
1 April 2019 or as agreed.
Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2019-03-01, use this link.
A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement. Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photogragphy.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.
SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.
SLU is an equal opportunity employer.
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