The Department of Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, conducts internationally strong empirical and theoretical research and education aimed towards sustainable forestry, agriculture and conservation. Our research on populations, communities and ecosystems forms the basis for our research on the effects of land use and climate on animals, plants and soil. We aim at finding solutions that will contribute to improve greenhouse gas balances, conserve threatened species, support biodiversity and ecosystem services, sustainable wildlife management, and pest management in forest and agricultural landscapes, as well as in urban areas. However, we also work with basic questions concerning the ecology, evolution and dynamics of populations and especially from a landscape and land use perspective.
Duties: Our study of long-term population dynamics is concerned with population persistence in a spatially and temporally varying environment, and include studies of habitat-specific demography and growth rates; how annual growth rates and demographic rates are affected by environmental variability (including climate); density dependence, source-sink dynamics, evolutionary dynamics of selection patterns and how to use integrated population models to increase the precision in estimates. These, and other potential topics, will be explored using data from a long-term study (24 years) of breeding wheatears SE Uppsala, Sweden. This database includes detailed data on demography, phenology (arrival time and breeding time) and habitat choice in an agricultural landscape (with annual data on landuse) SE Uppsala, Sweden. The postdoc is expected to develop an own research agenda in collaboration with a research group consisting of several researchers with different skills and expertise in the subject area. Qualifications: Applicants should hold a doctoral degree or equivalent scientific qualification. Experience of handling and analysing longterm population data, population dynamic modelling, statistical modelling and a good ability to express oneself in written and spoken English will be considered when assessing the applicant. The main emphasis in the assessment of applications will be placed on scientific skills. Particular emphasis is placed on the candidate's experience and expertise in analysing and modelling longterm population data and the ability to cooperate and to work independently. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. Place of work: Uppsala Form of employment: Temporary emplyment as postdoctor for 2 years. Extent: 100% Starting date: By agreement Application: We welcome your application marked with Ref no. SLU ua 3830/2016. Please submit your application to the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden or [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> no later than November 7, 2016. Specific documents attached: Please provide a motivation letter, a short description of your main research interests regarding this position (including previous achievements and future plans; maximum 2 pages), CV, and proof of dissertation. For further information please contact Tomas Pärt ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>) or Debora Arlt ([email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>). SLU is an equal opportunity employer.
