Project assistant in Limnology

The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to ecosystem studies. Learn more at www.ieg.uu.se.

Erken Laboratory is a research station that was initially established in the 1940’s for researchers and students studying limnology at Uppsala University. The research station has developed an extensive monitoring program and now hosts researchers from across the globe working on different topics in the natural sciences. Currently, a group of approximately nine staff members work at the research station. The research station has accommodations for guests and an accredited lab for analyzing water and sediment samples. There are many activities related to monitoring, research and education throughout the year. The field station and chemistry lab are active year-round, with the highest intensity of activities occurring between April and November.

We are now looking for a project assistant in limnology with laboratory and housekeeping duties at the Erken Laboratory/field station.

Duties
The Erken laboratory has an accredited lab specializing in high-quality analyses for water chemistry, sediment and phytoplankton analysis. You will primarily work with the analysis of samples in the certified laboratory of the field station, in particular analyses of water and sediment chemistry of freshwater and brackish samples, including routine controls and calibrations. If needed, you will also implement field samplings and measurements and other working tasks at the station.

In addition to the laboratory work, a smaller part of the position includes housekeeping duties. Erken Laboratory is a field station with several simple accommodations for researchers and students from Uppsala University, as well as guest researchers visiting from around the world. Some student groups also conduct overnight educational activities. The accommodations include a ‘Manor house’ for larger groups and two smaller cottages for teachers or smaller groups of researchers.

The housekeeping duties include cleaning the manor house and the surrounding cottages, coordinating bookings, ordering cleaning supplies, and occasionally doing laundry. The main house, which also houses the chemistry lab, requires weekly cleaning. The level of activity related to housing varies throughout the year, with most bookings during the warmer months. However, even during the busiest times, these tasks can typically be completed in about one day per week.

You will receive training/introduction for both parts of the position, including housekeeping and project assistant responsibilities. The project assistant part of the position involves working with the current team of three experienced staff members.

Qualifications required
We require a minimum high school diploma. Previous experience with laboratory work relevant to the position is required. The candidate needs to be able to work accurately and should be a person who is organized, flexible, service-minded and able to work independently and as part of a team. You must have a good ability to express yourself well in speech and writing in English because we work in an international environment. In addition, you need to have good reading comprehension in Swedish because we use method descriptions and documentation in Swedish within the accredited operation.

Qualifications desired
We desire the following. Previous experience working in a certified laboratory. Documented knowledge of limnology and or experience with water and sediment chemical analyses. Experience with sampling and field measurements in lakes, data management and administrative tasks. Experience with housekeeping.

About the employment
A fixed-term position until 30 April 2026, with the possibility of extension. The employment is part-time at 30%, with working hours scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and/or Thursdays. The start date is 1 September 2025 or as agreed. The position is based at Erken, situated a 1 hour and 15 minute drive east of Uppsala (72 km), 1 hour and 15 minutes northeast of Stockholm (70 km), and 20 minutes north of Norrtälje (12 km).

For further information about the position, please contact
Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor and Director of Erken Field Station, Dolly Kothawala, dolly.kothawala@ebc.uu.se, Research assistant Helena Enderskog, Helena.enderskog@ebc.uu.se.

Application instructions
The application should include 1) a letter describing yourself and why you are applying for the position, 2) your CV, 3) a brief description of your education and work background, 4) a copy of your high school diploma or highest degree, 5) names and contact information for at least two references (email address and phone number). The application can be written in English or Swedish.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than July 31, 2025. UFV-PA 2025/2055.

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