Reference number: 17/2009. Envisioned starting date is 1 June, 2009 , although 1 Sept. 2009 would also be possible. The position is externally funded through the project: Dealing with rapid and slow changes: the role of modularity and connectivity in social-ecological systems. Project description: Our transdisciplinary research group is combining theories and methods from the social and natural sciences in order to better understand causes and effects of complex interactions between and among the natural environment and human societies on the level of landscapes. Together with us, the successful applicant will be developing novel approaches in modeling and simulating spatially explicit species- and/or human interactions in both rural and urban landscapes. Increased knowledge of these processes will make it possible for us to better govern our natural environment.
We are in particular studying how landscape fragmentations, in conjunction with social and economical processes, affect interactions, movements and persistence of species populations. In our research, we apply a systemic network perspective which we use to analyze the patterns of interactions between different system components (both social and ecological) and how these patterns affect system behavior.
Methodologically, we are combining empirically based research with mathematical analysis, modeling and computer simulations.
We are looking for an analytically skilled person with a background in any of the areas mathematical analysis, physics, theoretical ecology, computer science or similar, including relevant high-level university degrees in engineering.
Furthermore, knowledge of any or several of the following methods and tools will be highly valuated: GIS (Geographical Information Systems), computer programming (java, perl, python, C#, C++, etc.), numerical- and statistical analysis (Matlab, R, etc.), agent-based simulation, database development, network analysis.
This work will be part of ongoing projects in Sweden, South Africa, and Alaska, and the work will be conduced in close collaboration with researchers at Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University. As part of the PhD project the applicant will be expected to take part in the transdisciplinary research school at the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
Criteria for evaluation
- Theoretical knowledge of the areas of relevance for the research project
- Practical experiences of relevance for the research project
- Knowledge in scientific theories and methods
- Analytical ability, demonstrated by research reports, essays, exam thesis
- Personal references
- Aspects of equality
Terms of employment
This is a full time position. The salary is set according to the University standard for graduate students. The applicant must also be formally accepted as a graduate student to qualify for this position.
The position will, at most, last for five years (however no longer than the equivalence of four year full time studies). The position needs to be renewed after the first year, and the renewal will last up to two years; then to be followed by another renewal.
The applicant will be evaluated based on his/her ability to fulfill the graduate study program. A successful applicant shall spend most of his/her time on the graduate studies. No more than 20% of a full time equivalent can be used for teaching and/or administrative work at the department.
More information about the position can be obtained by contacting Dr.Örjan Bodin, Stockholm Resilience Centre & Department of Systems Ecology, +46 8 674 76 71 or +46 703 410 121, orjan.bodin@stockholmresilience.su.se or Prof. Thomas Elmqvist, 08-161283, thomase@system.ecology.su.se
General information can be given by the head of the department Nils Kautsky, +46 8 164 251, nils@ecology.su.se.
Union representatives are Bo Ekengren, SACO, Lars-Åke Säll/ST-ATF and Gunnar Stenberg/SEKO, Phone: +46 8 16 20 00.
Further information on the web
Stockholm University
The Department of Systems Ecology
The handbook for postgraduate students
