The successful applicant will be part of a team aiming to understand how different herring spawning stocks are adapted to the seasonal dynamics of plankton and temperature to predict which stocks are most sensitive to environmental change. We will use molecular approaches to determine in situ dietary composition and spawning subpopulation structure, which will be combined with fish condition and continuous plankton monitoring. Outcomes of this project will make an important and novel contribution to make recommendations on which coastal ecosystems and herring population diversity should be protected to promote population and fisheries recovery.

Your work tasks

• Field sampling and laboratory DNA analysis of fish larvae and plankton communities (DNA metabarcoding, genomics)
• Bioinformatics and statistical analysis
• Interaction with multiple research groups
• Publication and scientific communication of the results

Your profile

• PhD degree in biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or related sciences
• Profound knowledge in fish and/or plankton ecology 
• Experience with DNA metabarcoding or metagenomics
• Good data analysis skills and bioinformatics
• Willingness to collaborate
• Good written and spoken English communication skills

Our offer

We offer an exciting job in a stimulating and international working environment. The 2-year postdoc is financed by a Fellowship from the Carl Trygger Foundation. The selected candidate will work in the group of Prof Monika Winder at the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences and with Prof Henrik Svedäng at the Baltic Sea Centre. We use a multi-disciplinary research approach, combining descriptive field studies, experimental and long-term ecological research to understand the consequences of environmental dynamics for food web processes and ecosystem functions. We offer state-of-the-art experimental and analytical facilities that allow properly addressing current ecological questions.

Application

The application should include:

• A personal letter (max 3 pages) where the applicant describes her/himself in relation to the above-described requirements, a motivation to why the applicant is interested in the position and a short description of the candidate’s research interests.
• CV with academic qualifications and publication list.
• Contact information for 2-3 reference persons.
• Other relevant documents.

Your complete application, written in English or Swedish, marked with the subject head Postdoc Application, should be sent in a pdf document to monika.winder@su.se. Deadline is 12 April 2024. 

The fellowship begins as soon as possible or according to agreement. 

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Prof Monika Winder, monika.winder@su.se.