PhD POSITION IN ECOLOGY

At NINA we wish to employ a PhD candidate in ecology. The duration of the position is 4 years, where 75% of the time will be allocated to the PhD project and the remaining 25% to various NINA projects. Applicants are obliged to engage in an organised PhD training program at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim.

The main objective of the project will be to explore the ecological effects of within-population spatial structure and interactions with climate variables, using salmonid fish as model organisms. The approach will consist of a combination of analyses of experimental and observational data as well as population modelling.

Applicants need to have at least a MSc (cand.scient. degree) or a similar education (e.g. Honours Degree in UK, examensarbete in Sweden). Education/competence relevant for the position includes evolutionary biology, ecology and theoretical/mathematical modelling. Education from one or more of these areas is required and a solid background in modelling or statistical analyse is advantageous. In order to be accepted as a PhD student the grades of the MSc project has to be sufficiently high (in Norway: B/2,5 or better), or the applicant has to document a similar level through later scientific work.

In the evaluation process, the applicant’s potential to successfully accomplish a PhD project of high quality will be of major importance. Criteria for evaluation include:

- Educational background and performance

- Experience with statistical analyses and model building

- Experience with computer programming (preferably in R or similar language)

- Experience with GIS tools

- Ability to work independently

Candidates should submit their application with references via e-mail to siri.svendsen@nina.no, attaching CV, scanned documentation on education, exams (including major grades), relevant experience, and publication list. Scientific work (theses, publications, manuscripts) may also be attached if written in English or a Scandinavian language. The application and CV has to be written in English. In case of multi-authored papers, the applicant is asked to give information regarding his/her own contribution.

NINA works actively for gender balance in our research staff, and therefore women are encouraged to apply. The position will have a starting salary of NOK 325.600/year.

For further information please contact Anders G. Finstad (tlf. 73801446, mob 90018546, anders.finstad@nina.no), Sigurd Einum (tlf. 73590564, mobil 95235054, email sigurd.einum@bio.ntnu.no, www.bio.ntnu.no/users/sigurdei/) or Siri A. Svendsen (tlf 73801581, email siri.svendsen@nina.no)

Application deadline is 15^th June 2008 and we aim for a rapid employment.