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Doctoral position: PhD student: Marine Sciences
The Department for Marine Sciences (https:// marine.gu.se/english/) is Sweden's most complete academic environment for marine research and education, and it is one of few such institutions in Europe. The Department for Marine Sciences brings together expertise in physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine biology, marine geology, and marine heritage conservation. Research and education are conducted in our premises in Gothenburg, at the two marine research stations Kristineberg and Tjärnö, and on the research vessel Skagerrak.
General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages.
https: // medarbetarportalen.gu.se/doktorand/?languageId=100001&skipSSOCheck=true
DutiesSubject area
Modelling states and impacts in marine ecosystems under climate change: supporting a sustainable blue economy through multi-sector governance.
Subject area description
In a successful proposal to Mistra's call “A sustainable blue economy for Sweden” in 2022, the University of Gothenburg was awarded a four-year transdisciplinary research program. The program named “Co-Creating Better Blue” (C2B2) involves more than ten academic partners and research institutes, and approximately 50 external stakeholders. C2B2 will apply a tailored co-creation methodology (“LivingLabs”) to trigger and demonstrate transformative changes towards multi-sector, participatory ocean governance.
One of the C2B2 work packages, “Open ecosystem and climate science”, led by the Department of Marine Sciences has the objective to synthesise current knowledge (including gaps) about the health, resilience and vulnerability of ecosystems and to provide integrated assessments of the current and states of ecosystems under alternative scenarios for governance. This task relies heavily on methods to synthesise various types of physical and biological data, as well as data on human use. In practice this means that we need to apply and develop analytical and numerical models, which can help us understand links between different components of the ecosystem, including societal aspects, and to predict impacts of alternative governance and climate scenarios.
Depending on the general purpose (e.g. mechanistic understanding, prediction, simulation of scenarios or visualisation), the scope of ecosystem and societal components (e.g. benthic and / or pelagic environments, selection of interacting sectorial interests and pressures etc.), governance context (e.g. status assessment, marine spatial planning, resource management, stakeholder engagement) and scientific state-of-the-art, a large variety of model approaches and tools may be applied and developed. These include 3D circulation models developed from physical principles, predictive species- distribution or habitat models, coupled socio-ecological models and GIS- analyses quantifying conflicts and linkages among human activities and ecosystem components.
Job assignments
We seek 1-2 candidates with competence in modelling, and with an interest to develop a broad set of modelling skills relevant for ocean governance. The successful candidate(s) will develop a PhD-project aimed at providing necessary support to the C2B2 objectives of the “Open ecosystem and climate science” pillar. This involves modelling and analysing how physical and ecological processes interacts with human activities in a geographic context. The exact scope and methodological focus will be developed by the successful applicant in collaboration with the supervisors, in dialogue with the C2B2 leadership, based on needs identified in the LivingLabs, and taking into account the skills qualifications of the candidates.
The candidate will work alongside a main and an assistant supervisor and contribute to the fulfilment of the “Open ecosystem and climate science” pillar and to the other workpackages of C2B2. The student will participate in C2B2 activities and contribute to program events. Notably this includes interaction with the three C2B2 LivingLabs, where researchers and stakeholders co-create sustainable solutions for the blue economy in real life settings.
Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree.
As part of your employment as a doctoral student, you may have departmental duties corresponding to up to 20 % of full-time employment, distributed throughout your study period. Departmental duties usually consist of teaching at first- and second-cycle levels, but may also include research and administration.
EligibilityEducation at third-cycle level requires general eligibility and, where appropriate, specific eligibility as set out in the general syllabus for the subject.
The general eligibility requirements for education at third-cycle level are:
having completed a degree at second-cycle level, or 2. the fulfilment of course requirements totalling at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or
the acquisition of equivalent knowledge in some other way, either in Sweden or abroad.
Eligibility
The qualifications for education on a doctoral level are an advanced level degree, at least 240 university credits, of which 60 are on an advanced level, or similar knowledge acquired in another way within or outside the country of Sweden.
The candidate should have a background in natural science, engineering, or computer science, be qualified and dedicated to a broad set of approaches to modelling and data analysis, be familiar with important processes, dynamics and biodiversity of marine systems and have the ability and interest in applying these skills into a transdisciplinary context.
Assessment
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80. Only a person that is admitted to a doctoral level education can hold the position. The candidates will be judged for their ability to successfully complete the program. In addition to pursuing their own research studies, the holder of the position may be required to perform duties such as teaching, research, and administration according to special regulations.
We are seeking a highly motivated and independent person with a background in ecology or marine science to pursue PhD studies in natural science, specializing in marine science. The applicant is expected to have an interest in science-based development of marine ecology and a willingness to work in a team, flexibility in learning new tasks, and excellent data handling and communication skills. Drivers license, practical experience with field and laboratory work will also be used as assessment criteria.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate enjoying working in a team but also capable of independently solving problems. The applicant is expected to have
high competence in computer modelling and managing large amounts of data,
an interest in the development of science-based ocean governance,
an interest in collaboration in multi-stakeholder teams,
flexibility in learning new tasks, and
excellent communication skills.
Oral and written communication skills in English is a requirement.
The highest ranked candidates will be invited for an interview that may be conducted in English and in some cases via phone/internet.
Assessment criteriaThe selection of applicants who meet the basic and specific eligibility requirements will be based on the ability to assimilate the education at third-cycle level.
EmploymentOnce you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.
The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.
Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.
A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, 48 months Extent: 100% Location: Department of Marine Sciences Gothenburg and / or Tjärnö First day of employment: As agreed
The University applies a local agreement on salaries for doctoral students.
Contact informationPlease contact professors Mats Lindgarth ([email protected]) or Göran Broström ([email protected]).
UnionsUnion representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https: // www. gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande
ApplicationYou can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.
Applications must be received by: 2023-06-24
Information for International ApplicantsChoosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:
https: // www. gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https: // www. movetogothenburg.com/
The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.
Salaries are set individually at the University.
In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.
In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.