Postdoctoral researcher in marine top predator ecology

 

Biology, behaviour, spatiotemporal dynamics and trophic interactions of seals and cormorants to support ecosystem-based management

We invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral researcher position focused on the ecology and management of marine top predators. The position focuses on advancing understanding of seals and cormorants with an emphasis on ecosystem dynamics, behaviour, spatial modelling and evaluation of ecological aspects of management measures. The candidate may start as soon as possible or after agreement.

The position is embedded in ongoing projects, primarily investigating feeding ecology, movement patterns, behaviour and ecological aspects of management measures. The activities aim at improving the understanding of the dynamics between marine top predators and fish populations through integrated analyses of trophic interactions, movement ecology and behaviour, together with monitoring data.

The successful candidate will lead advanced statistical analyses integrating ecological datasets with spatiotemporal modelling frameworks. The work will contribute with evidence-based data to development of ecosystem-based assessments and management strategies and provide scientific facts to debates and discussions related to conflicts between marine top predators, fisheries and fish conservation interests. The candidate will also collaborate with other relevant projects and groups and lead and contribute to scientific publications and reports to national management authorities.

 

Main responsibilities are:

• Develop and implement advanced statistical models, linking species occurrence, movement, and behaviour to environmental drivers.
• Conduct quantitative analyses of trophic interactions, monitoring data and diet composition, including integration of biochemical dietary tracers (e.g. stable isotopes and/or fatty acids) to assess predator–prey dynamics.
• Contribute to assessments and evaluations of the ecological aspects of seal and cormorant management measures.
• Lead and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications and scientific reporting and reports to the government and national authorities.
• Collaborate actively with interdisciplinary research teams and internal and external partners.

Required qualifications

Applicants must have:

• A PhD in ecology, marine biology, statistics or a related discipline.
• Strong expertise in statistical modelling.
• Experience in analysing ecological monitoring data (e.g. telemetry, diet and population datasets).
• Advanced programming skills (R, Python, or equivalent) and reproducible analytical workflows (e.g. Git).
• Record of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in English

Meritorious qualifications

The following are considered strong merits:

• Experience in analysing telemetry data to quantify movement patterns, habitat use, and behaviour.
• Experience with behavioural modelling approaches, including state-space and hidden Markov models.
• Experience in conducting applied research supporting environmental management or policy.
• Experience with spatial and spatiotemporal statistical models
• Experience with diet analyses and/or predator–prey modelling.

• Experience with trophic ecology methods such as stable isotope analysis, fatty acid analysis or other biochemical tracers used to study diet composition and food-web dynamics.

• Competence in processing and analysing various monitoring data for population dynamics and behaviour, e.g. aerial/drone surveys, line transects, camera surveillance and photo-ID.
• Experience with Bayesian statistical modelling
• Proven ability to handle large ecological datasets and version-controlled workflows
• An interest in marine ecology and knowledge of marine or coastal ecosystems

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years ago. If there are special reasons, the degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade union organizations, military service, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or other service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

About us

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Lysekil

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

July 1^st or as agreed

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 27 April 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.