Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoctoral position in Aquatic Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Adaptation

About the Role

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in Aquatic Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Adaptation. Climate change is altering aquatic ecosystems globally, creating an urgent need for management strategies that strengthen ecological resilience and support sustainable resource use. In this project, you will apply quantitative evidence-based syntheses to identify how aquatic management can enhance ecosystem resilience to climate impacts. The position offers career development at the interface between ecological research and practical management, with opportunities for scientific publishing, conference participation, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other evidence synthesis methods to address key questions about management interventions that increase resilience to climate change in aquatic ecosystems.
• Investigate how dispersal, ecological interactions, and evolutionary adaptation influence the success of climate adaptation measures.
• Translate evidence synthesis findings into practical decision support for environmental managers and policymakers.
• Collaborate closely with practitioners to ensure scientifically robust and practically relevant guidance for climate adaptation.
• Produce scientific publications for leading international journals and present work at conferences.
• Develop an independent research profile through collaboration with researchers, managers, and authorities.

Requirements

• Essential: PhD in Biology (ecology/evolution), Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline. The PhD must have been awarded no more than three years before the starting date (exceptions may be granted for parental leave, illness, union duties, military service, or similar).
• Essential: Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or other evidence-synthesis methods must have been a central part of your thesis or academic career.
• Essential: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a demonstrated record of publishing scientific research.
• Essential: Good written and oral communication skills in English.
• Advantageous: Research experience relevant to environmental management, decision support, or governance of aquatic resources, especially in coastal and marine areas.
• Advantageous: Experience collaborating with practitioners.
• Encouraged: Applicants with experience in systematic reviews/meta-analysis, conservation planning/restoration ecology, climate change research and climate adaptation, or aquatic ecology.

Personal qualities relevant to the position will be emphasised in the selection process.

What We Offer

• A two-year postdoctoral contract within a collaborative research environment linking fundamental ecological research with applied management.
• Opportunity to work closely with ecologists and evolutionary biologists from SLU and the Swedish Natural History Museum.
• Access to a large, inspiring department (over 200 employees) that is Sweden’s foremost knowledge hub on aquatic ecosystems and fisheries.
• Chance to publish in leading international journals, present at conferences, and interact with authorities and managers.
• Work at one of our main locations: Uppsala (Ultuna, head office), Lysekil, Öregrund, or Stockholm (Drottningholm).

About SLU Aquatic Resources

The Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) combines ecological, biodiversity, and fisheries research with environmental monitoring, assessment, and advisory work for national and international management. The successful candidate will join a team that collaborates closely with authorities and managers to ensure that research results directly inform policy and practice.

How to Apply

Submit your application including a CV, a cover letter describing your motivation and relevant experience, copies of your PhD diploma and other relevant certificates, and a list of publications. For informal inquiries, please contact Ann-Britt Florin ([email protected]) or Örjan Östman ([email protected]).

Original vacancy