Postdoctoral position in Biology, Focus on Fish Ecology and Hydrology

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and perseverance. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. We are located in an active and scenic region and we promote sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider society.
 
Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 17,300 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
 
More information at: kau.se/en/work-with-us

Description

The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology has an opening for one to two full-time postdoctoral position(s) in Biology at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences in the fields of Aquatic Ecology and Hydrology, with a focus on riverine fish and hydropower. As a postdoc, you will contribute to important knowledge about the connection between hydropower production and riverine biodiversity, which in turn will promote changes toward sustainable hydropower.

You are expected to conduct research in close collaboration with other researchers in the River Ecology and Management Research Group (RivEM), at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences at Karlstad University. RivEM conducts both basic and applied research, focusing on river, streams, lakes and their surroundings. The group is interested in sustainable use of natural resources in catchment areas, and are dedicated to find solutions for environmental problems with benefits for both society and the environment. RivEM are involved in research areas such as the effects of hydropower production on river connectivity, aquatic and terrestrial habitats and their interconnections, winter ecology in relation to climate change, endangered species such as the European eel and freshwater mussels, conservation biology and socio-ecological research connected to river regulation and sport fishing. Many research projects are carried out in collaboration with industry, government agencies, NGOs and landowners. For more information, refer to: http://www.kau.se/en/biology and http://www.nrrv.se.

Duties

Hydropower plays a central role as an electricity source. The production can be adjusted to meet changes in demand, and it is also used for stabilising the frequency of the power grid. However, hydropeaking (sub-daily changes in flow) disrupts natural flow patterns, which affect the organisms that live in or near rivers and the ecosystem services these organisms provide. Your research will be conducted as a part of the Portfolio project. The aim of the project is to examine how hydropeaking can be planned to maintain power production while minimising negative environmental effects. Focus is on the connection between hydropower production and biodiversity in rivers, in relation to future changes to flow patterns.

Your main duties will be to (1) participate actively in the development of a theoretical framework for the production of hydropower and fish, in accordance to the portfolio concept, (2) develop and improve new and existing tools for examining fish production and migration hydropeaking rivers, and (3) analyse and predict future flow patterns and how such changes will affect the production potential for hydropower and fish populations. Duties include synthesising literature and writing scientific articles, as well as carrying out computer simulations, laboratory experiments and telemetry-based field studies.

Requirements

To be eligible for the position, applicants are required to hold a PhD (or to be completed before the decision about the employment is taken) in Ecology or related fields. The candidate must have completed the degree no more than three years before the last date for applications unless special grounds exist.

Older PhD degrees can be taken into account when there are special reasons, such as sick leave, parental leave, clinical service, positions of trust within unions or other similar circumstances.

Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.

Assessment criteria

We are searching for a highly motivated candidate with experience in aquatic ecology.

In the selection process, special weight will be given to the applicant's research skills, as demonstrated by the quality of the applicant’s PhD thesis, published scientific articles and other scientific merits.

Special weight will be given to:

• research skills, as demonstrated by the quality of the applicant’s PhD thesis, published scientific articles and other scientific merits

Considerable weight will be given to:

• expertise in fish ecology
• expertise in hydrological modelling
• ability to cooperate and establish good relations with colleagues
• ability to work independently and to take initiatives

Weight will be given to:

• abilities to conduct field and lab work
• expertise in hydraulic modelling
• experience of collaborating with stakeholders and communicating research

Valuable qualifications:

• having a valid driver’s license (B)
• experience of working practically with fish and hydropower
  
  

Terms

The position is a full-time employment for 24 months, starting on 1st of February, 2025, or by agreement between the applicant and the employer. An extension of one year is possible depending upon funding availability.

Additional information

Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organisation. We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities, and life experiences.

Application

Submit the application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool, Varbi.

Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application should include:

• cover letter where the applicant details the reasons behind their interest in the position,
• CV
• abstract of the PhD dissertation
• publication list, including pdf copies of peer-reviewed scientific articles (max 10)
• where applicable, copies of relevant grades, diplomas, certificates that prove previous employment and letters of recommendation
• two references

Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not provide links only). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content.

Documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to the following address:

Karlstads universitet
HR-administratör
651 88 KARLSTAD

Application deadline: 2025-01-05

State the reference number: REK 2024/203

We look forward to your application!

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies.

HR Excellence in Research
Karlstad University received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award September 2020. The award is issued to employers with a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and its continuous improvement. The award also conveys the university’s commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more: kau.se/hrs4r

1. Daniel Olsson, +46547002298
2. Johan Watz, +46547002267

1. Thomas Bragefors, SACO, +4654-7001714
2. Denita Gustavsson, OFR, +4654-7001434