PhD student in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development , Coastal Zone - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University conducts education at the undergraduate, advanced and doctoral levels, as well as research and has operations in two locations, in Uppsala and Visby. The PhD position is located at Campus Gotland in Visby within the research program Natural Resources and Sustainable Development (NRHU).

Natural Resources and Sustainable Development are some of the profile areas at the Department of Earth Sciences regarding research, education and collaboration. At Campus Gotland, NRHU research focuses on, among other things, transdisciplinary research on fisheries, aquaculture, nature-based tourism, ecosystem services and coastal zone management. NRHU is responsible for courses in the master program in Sustainable Destination Development, and several freestanding courses in Sustainable Development at Campus Gotland. Campus Gotland also has Blue Center Gotland, a collaboration between Uppsala University, Region Gotland and the County Administrative Board of Gotland and a field station, the Research Station Ar. The division is located at Campus Gotland, an international campus in the middle of world heritage town Visby. Read more on: NRHU.

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Project description
Nordlund’s research group has an inter and transdisciplinary approach to strong sustainable development of the coastal zone especially links between coastal habitats and human well-being. This PhD position is part of the project 'Rethinking MPAs - Protecting seagrass for biodiversity, food and climate'. Marine Protected Area (MPA) use has become one of the most widespread tools aiming to reduce the loss of marine species and habitats. A new global agenda to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 provides a window of opportunity to rethink MPA design to maximize their benefits for both nature and society.

In the Indo-Pacific, a region with high levels of poverty, seagrasses provide several important benefits to humans, such as productive fisheries and coastal protection. Seagrass specific conservation measures are rare and seldom a priority in tropical conservation strategies or targeted in MPAs. The aim of the project is to assess how MPAs could be better designed to help safeguard the future of Indo-Pacific seagrasses and, indirectly, the crucial benefits they provide to coastal communities.

Duties
The position involves fieldwork in the Indo-Pacific, conducting both ecological and social surveys. Additionally, literature reviews and analysis of large data sets using advanced statistics and social-ecological modelling. The PhD student position is a 4-year full time appointment, and the candidate will primarily devote the time to his/her own research studies. The candidate will also have the opportunity to engage in teaching/supervising and other duties at the department, at a level of up to 20%. 

Requirements
A Master’s or corresponding degree in Environmental Science/Ecology/Earth Science/Marine Biology or related disciplines obtained before the starting date. The applicant must be proficient in spoken and written English and have an interest in transdisciplinary and applied research. 

Additional qualifications
Knowledge and/or experience of working with issues related to coastal and marine environments, MPAs, fishing, seagrass and management of the coastal zone are particular merits. Practical experiences of fieldwork in the Indo-Pacific, ecological surveys and/or interview methodology is desirable. Good skills in advanced statistical analyses, social-ecological modelling and analytical thinking as well as proven creativity and the ability to work transdisciplinary are merits.

Application: The application should include 1) a cover letter stating your scientific interests and what motivates you to apply for this position, 2) a CV incl. a short description of your education, 3) a copy of your master degree and course grades, 4) the names and contact information (address, email address, and phone number) of at least two reference persons, 5) relevant publications (including master thesis). We would prefer the application to be written in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 April 2022 or as agreed. Placement: Visby.

For further information about the position, please contact: Lina Mtwana Nordlund, e-mail: lina.mtwana.nordlund@geo.uu.se

Please submit your application by 24 February 2022, UFV-PA 2022/263.

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About Campus Gotland: Uppsala University Campus Gotland offers the best of two worlds: the full-scale university’s broad offering and weight and a unique, small-scale campus in an interdisciplinary research environment. Campus Gotland is a hub for the University’s research and education in sustainability. Find out what it’s like to live on Gotland.