Postdoctoral Fellow in hydrologic ecosystems services of wetlands

The Department of Physical Geography is one of the central departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 115 employees and educates approximately 1 000 students annually. Education is oriented towards geography, geosciences, biology-earth sciences, and environmental protection and environmental management. The main research areas are Landscape, Environment and Geomatics, Climate Science and Quaternary Geology, Geomorphology and Glaciology, Water, Permafrost and Environmental systems. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Physical Geography.

Project description

The candidate will work on the project Disclosing the Overlooked Wetlandscape Ecosystem Services (DOWES), funded by the Water4All 2023 Joint Transnational Call on Aquatic Ecosystem Services. The main objective of DOWES is to resolve the interlinkages between water availability in wetlandscapes, their responses and stressors, and the provision of ecosystem services within and beyond their area of influence through synthesis across multiple wetlandscapes. While wetlands are ecosystems with permanent or temporary, static or flowing waters, wetlandscapes are systems of wetlands that are hydraulically, hydrologically, and ecologically connected. A wetlandscape can comprise large regions with different wetland bodies connected by groundwater or surface flows and, in turn, include more ecosystems, land covers, and communities existing in the landscape.

DOWES will, in five work packages, address the main objective across six iconic wetlandscape ecosystems. The first determines high-resolution changes in the hydrological regime using the latest radar and altimetric missions. The second relates water availability to wetlandscape ecosystem responses and stressors. The third develops a participatory approach to identify perceptions of potential cultural ecosystem services. The fourth adds a layer of complexity by quantifying the provision of ecosystem services of wetlandscapes beyond the area of influence. Finally, the fifth work package combines these four to develop metrics and guidelines to track and quantify the provision of wetlandscape ecosystem services.

Main responsibilities

As a postdoctor in this project you will focus mostly on the wetlandscape of the Magdalena floodplains in Colombia. You will quantify hydrological ecosystem services (regulation, supply and suppression of peak flows) with the help of state-of-the-art remote sensing tools. You can also focus on the impacts on the provision of ecosystem services from gold within the stream of the river.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The following criteria will be used for assessing candidates:

• Research expertise: A track record demonstrating excellence and experience with hydrology, ecosystem services and remote sensing.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated skills in presenting research both written and orally.
• Research proposal (see additional questions).

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date September 1, 2026 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Associate Professor Fernando Jamarillo, phone: +46 8 16 47 71, fernando.jamarillo@natgeo.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

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