Post Doc position in Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function - scholarship

Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies

We seek a Post Doc to study how fish farming and hydropower affects the aquatic food webs in northern lakes.

About the position

We invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral position focused on investigating how hydropower regulation and open cage fish farming influence aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem function in northern Swedish lakes. Hydropower alters natural water level fluctuations, degrading benthic habitats vital for fish and invertebrates, while fish farming can add nutrients to nutrient-poor lakes, with uncertain ecological consequences. The postdoc will focus on zooplankton and benthic invertebrates—key groups in energy transfer to fish—to better understand how human activities reshape lake food webs. This work will provide critical insights into how anthropogenic pressures shape biodiversity and food web dynamics in northern lakes,  informing both conservation and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. The position is part of a broader research program on biodiversity and ecosystem change in Norrland’s freshwater systems.

The project has two main components:

• Hydropower impacts on benthic fauna – examining how water-level regulation influences invertebrate abundance and diversity, and the consequences for fish diets and growth.
• Fish farming and nutrient status – studying how open cage aquaculture affects nutrient dynamics, invertebrate communities, and energy transfer to fish.

Methods include field sampling, taxonomic identification, stomach content analyses, and eDNA techniques. The position is embedded in several funded national projects, providing access to rich datasets, samples, and collaborations.

Your profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate who can take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or equivalent at the time of starting the position.

Excellent skills in written and oral communication in English as well as a driver’s license are required.

Knowledge in the topics of invertebrate and/or fish ecology, food web ecology/limnology as well as a strong background in invertebrate taxonomy and biodiversity assessment are highly desirable. Finally, experience of field work (especially in northern aquatic environments), and/or working with eDNA methods, laboratory analysis, isotopic analysis, and statistical data analysis are all relevant merits.

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.

About us

The main supervisor for the post-doctoral researcher will be Karin Nilsson (Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, SLU Umeå), and co-supervisor will be Gunnar Öhlund (SLU Umeå). The work will be carried out in collaboration with a wider network of researchers, hydropower and aquaculture industry, local authorities, and other stake holders.

At the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies we offer a creative and stimulating environment and perform internationally recognized basic and applied research, education and environmental monitoring in the areas of biodiversity restoration and conservation, fish biology and wildlife ecology. The Department has a large number of international employees and well-established national and international cooperation, which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange.

Location:

Umeå

Form of employment:

The Post Doc position is financed by a scholarship from the KEMPE foundation, 24 months.

Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for and be granted a residence permit for research before entering Sweden and starting the work.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

Spring 2026 or according to agreement

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 29 January 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

 

A full application should include:

• A personal cover letter including a description over why you are interested in this position and how you can contribute to the research project (max two pages).
• CV including list of publications (can include submitted manuscripts; describe your contribution to each).
• A copy of your PhD thesis and relevant publications (max five).
• A certified copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates.
• Names and contact details (mail and phone) of two reference persons.

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.