PhD student for Ecosystem modeling in the Baltic Sea
The Department of Aquatic Resources of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is looking for a PhD-student to investigate the temporal and spatial dynamics of cod, herring and sprat populations in the Baltic Sea within a multi-species modeling framework.
The PhD project aims to implement multi-species and multi-area models to account in a realistic manner for dynamic trophic interactions of cod, herring and sprat within and across different sub-basins in the Baltic Sea.
Objectives:
(i) to characterize and model the trophodynamics of these three key species
(ii) to evaluate the trade-off in the role of herring and sprat as a source of food for cod and as a resource for pelagic fisheries
(iii) to explore the direct and ecosystem-mediated implications of alternative management strategies and quantify their related uncertainties.
The modeling framework will also be used to inform a Decision Support Framework (DSF). The PhD project will be part of the FP7 project MareFrame, “Co-creating Ecosystem-based Fisheries Management Solutions”, which includes a large network of expertise from statistical, ecological and social sciences for the benefit of the student.
The position is full-time and covers 48 months and the holder of the position is expected to achieve a PhD-degree. The student will work in the research group for marine population and ecosystem analyses at SLU in Lysekil, Sweden. The research group in Lysekil has an international profile when it comes to research and fisheries assessment.
Required skills and Qualifications
-MSc degree or equivalent in Biology/Ecology/Environmental Sciences
-Proven quantitative skills, or in Statistics/Mathematics with strong interest for ecological applications.
-Skills with ecosystem,or population modeling handling large datasets is preferred.
-Highly motivated and dedicated student.
-Good communication skills, a strong work ethic, and good team player.
Employment as PhD student 4 years
Further information: Dr. Valerio Bartolino (valerio.bartolino@slu.se; +46-10-4784058), Ass. Prof. Håkan Wennhage (hakan.wennhage@slu.se; +46-10-4784051)
Applications, marked with ref no 1028/2014, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, S- 750 07 Uppsala or registrator@slu.se no later than 2014-04-13.
