Åbo Akademi söker en forskardoktor till projektet “Ecological impacts of ferry traffic waves on littoral biodiversity and ecological processes in an archipelago seascape”. Befattningen hör till doktorandpiloten Digital Waters (DIWA). Anställningen är för tiden 1.5.2025-31.10.2026. Den tidsbundna anställningen är på heltid.
Se annonsen i sin helhet på engelska nedan.

Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its international research community and its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher position within the Doctoral Pilot of Digital Waters Flagship (DIWA). The position starts May 1, 2025 and ends October 31, 2026. The DIWA flagship is a leading research and innovation ecosystem, using research to support decision-making and pave the way for the next revolution in the water sector – digitally.
The postdoctoral researcher position is full-time and will be seated at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the subject Environmental and Marine Biology in Turku.

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

The postdoctoral researcher will work within the project: “Ecological impacts of ferry traffic waves on littoral biodiversity and ecological processes in an archipelago seascape”.
Physical disturbance is major factor shaping coastal marine ecosystems, their biodiversity and ecosystem services. The Archipelago Sea is one of the busiest regions when it comes to cargo, tourist and ferry traffic in the northern Baltic Sea. The maritime shipping business is of major importance for the local economy. Simultaneously this activity creates disturbances and potentially loss of coastal biodiversity. Ferry traffic waves and currents likely interact directly with both the shallow rocky shore and soft sediment communities through sediment resuspension, erosion and deterioration of water transparency.
However, there is no systematic quantitative information about the physical wave environment or the scale and ecological consequences of this human activity on marine littoral biodiversity, community structure and and key ecological processes such as macroalgal production, predator-prey interactions and faunal and floral recruitment.
The field work is carried out jointly with a team of researchers in hydrogeography and marine ecology and will benefit from a collaboration with two doctoral researchers studying ecological responses of the bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) community to ferry waves. The work will be carried out along fairways in the Archipelago Sea, SW Finland using SCUBA diving and/or snorkeling. Novel automated monitoring instruments targeting both the wave/flow disturbance regime and light climate will also be applied.
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to carry out independent research and lead the publication process in collaboration with the team above. We strongly encourage the applicant to come up with own, novel research questions and experimental approaches related to the research theme “physical disturbance and ecological processes” outlined above.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD degree within the fields of marine biology, marine ecology, oceanography or aquatic ecology. The candidate should have excellent teamwork and communication skills as well as ability to take responsibility, acquire new skills and show commitment toward collaborators. As a rule, the time elapsed since completing the doctoral degree should not exceed four years in accordance with the Regulations for Personnel of the university, excluding maternity leaves, parental leaves, military service, etc. (a copy of the diploma of a doctoral degree should be submitted in the application).

The following experience is considered essential:

• Littoral sampling and processing of marine samples
• Marine field and laboratory experiments
• Statistical analysis of ecological data

The following is considered advantageous:

• Experience of characterization of waves and currents
• Experience of PhD and MSc student supervision
• A valid SCUBA diving licence
• A valid driver’s licence (B)
• Boat handling and navigation skills

The applications will be assessed as follows:

• Research competence (75%) measured through research plan, relevant academic publications, participation in research- and other academic projects and other research related experience. The research plan must be relevant for Digital Waters and the project “Ecological impact of ferry traffic waves on littoral biodiversity and ecological processes in an archipelago seascape”.
• Interactive competence (25%) that covers ability to cooperate in collegial manner and administrative ability as well as experience which may have been acquired also in activities outside the academia.

The appointment will be based on an overall assessment of the applicant’s potential for development and competences and in relation to the necessary qualities to successfully carry out the tasks for the position. The applicants may be invited to an interview.

Please refer the Job description for details