Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies

The Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, SLU, Umeå, is looking for a researcher in the project “The impact of mitochondrial introgression on the life-history and behaviour of threatened Atlantic salmon”. The focus of the project is to study how mitochondrial introgression from escaped farmed Atlantic salmon affects physiological, behavioural, and life-history traits in wild populations. Over the last decades, millions of farmed Atlantic salmon have escaped from fish farms. These fish make their way into rivers across Norway and Sweden, where they interbreed with wild salmon and erode the genetic integrity of local populations. One important, but often overlooked, consequence of human-mediated gene flow is the introduction of non-native mitochondrial DNA into local populations. Theory tells us that novel mitochondrial DNA can result in mismatches between mitochondrial and nuclear genes and subsequent genetic incompatibilities that negatively affect animal health and performance. However, how the introduction of new mitochondrial DNA from farmed salmon is affecting wild fish is currently unknown.

About the position

Duties:

The main focus of the researcher will be to establish experimental laboratory crosses between farmed and wild Atlantic salmon, and perform genetic, physiological, and behavioural assays on the offspring of these fish. We encourage research that involves other researchers at the department and at external institutes (both national and international). In addition, the researcher is expected to contribute to education by teaching courses and supervising thesis workers. Finally, the researcher is also expected to apply for both national and international research grants as well as actively communicate the science to society.

Your profile

Qualifications:

The applicant must have a PhD in biology, genetics, evolution or similar. Documented post-doctoral experience is equally important. The applicant should have very well developed skills in verbal and written communication in English. Prior successful collaborations with national and/or international researchers will be important for the position. We are looking for a highly motivated, independent, and team-oriented candidate with documented experience in molecular biology, behavioral ecology, evolutionary ecology, and fisheries biology. Experience with collecting, caretaking, marking and breeding of fish, experimental design, as well as genetic, behavioral, or physiological assays will count as merits. Finally, a documented history of science communication will be a merit.

About us

The department offers a creative, stimulating, and highly international environment and performs internationally recognized research, education and environmental monitoring in the research areas: animal ecology, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology and restoration ecology (see https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/research/). The department has many international employees and well-established national and international collaborations, which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange.

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Umeå

Form of employment:

Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed. 

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 12 February 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.