PhD Position in Theoretical Ecology at Linköping University – Sweden

Summary

Linköping University's Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) is offering a 48-month fully funded PhD position in Theoretical Ecology. The project, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP, focuses on "Species interaction networks and response diversity in soundscapes." The doctoral candidate will analyze species interaction networks and ecoacoustic monitoring to understand ecosystem resilience under environmental change. Key responsibilities include developing network-analytic methods, applying AI/machine learning to acoustic datasets, and publishing research. The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field, strong programming skills, and excellent English. Applicants must meet MSCA eligibility and mobility rules, including not having resided in Sweden for more than 12 months in the past 36 months. The role offers a comprehensive MSCA funding package and international secondments.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Theoretical Ecology
Research Area	Species interaction networks and response diversity in soundscapes
Degree Required	Master’s degree or equivalent
Salary	Standardized Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding package including living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance (if eligible).
Funding	Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP
Contract Duration	48 months
Language	English

About the Project

The PhD project, titled "Species interaction networks and response diversity in soundscapes" (DC2), is part of the ReDiLEEP Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network. It aims to analyze how species interaction networks and ecoacoustic monitoring influence response diversity and ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change. The research will involve applying and developing network-analytic methods, utilizing AI and machine-learning approaches to infer species interactions from acoustic datasets (including a 10-year bioacoustic dataset from Okinawa, Japan), and constructing ecological interaction networks to study how their topology affects environmental disturbances.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply and develop network-analytic methods to characterize network structure and evaluate its link to response diversity.
• Develop AI and machine-learning approaches to infer and quantify species interactions from acoustic datasets (including a 10-year bioacoustic dataset from Okinawa, Japan).
• Construct ecological interaction networks and examine how network topology buffers or amplifies environmental disturbances.
• Participate in 9 months of planned international secondments: 4 months at Earth Species Project (AI pipeline development), 3 months at Kyoto University (hypothesis testing), and 2 months at Think Nature (green transitions).
• Publish research in top-tier international scientific journals and present findings at international conferences and ReDiLEEP network meetings.
• Devote primary time to doctoral research, with potential departmental or teaching duties up to a maximum of 20%.

Required Skills

• Master’s degree (or equivalent, minimum 240 ECTS credits with at least 60 in advanced courses) in Ecology, Biology, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• Strong background or interest in theoretical ecology, network science, ecosystem stability, bioacoustics, or AI/machine learning.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and quantitative analysis (e.g., Python, R, C++, or similar tools).
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills.
• Must not hold a PhD.
• Must work full-time exclusively on ReDiLEEP.
• Must not have resided or carried out main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for candidates with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Ecology, Biology, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Data Science, or a related field. Ideal applicants will have a strong background or interest in theoretical ecology, network science, ecosystem stability, bioacoustics, or AI/machine learning, along with proficiency in scientific programming and quantitative analysis. Candidates must also meet the MSCA eligibility and mobility rules, specifically not holding a PhD and not having resided or carried out their main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

Benefits

• Full-time 48-month employment with full Swedish social benefits (paid parental leave, healthcare, pension).
• Standardized Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding package including living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance (if eligible).
• Extensive international exposure through secondments and collaborative European network training.
• Relocation and integration assistance provided through Linköping University and EURAXESS.

About the Employer

Linköping University's Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) is hosting a PhD position in Theoretical Ecology. The university is located in Sweden and offers full Swedish social benefits to its employees. It also provides relocation and integration assistance through its services and EURAXESS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this PhD position?

The PhD position is for a full-time period of 48 months.

What is the main focus of the research project?

The project focuses on "Species interaction networks and response diversity in soundscapes," analyzing how these elements shape response diversity and ecosystem resilience under environmental change.

What are the eligibility requirements regarding prior residence in Sweden?

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.

What kind of international opportunities are included in this position?

The position includes 9 months of planned international secondments at Earth Species Project, Kyoto University, and Think Nature, along with extensive international exposure through collaborative European network training.

What benefits are provided with this position?

The position offers full-time 48-month employment with full Swedish social benefits (paid parental leave, healthcare, pension) and a standardized Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding package including living, mobility, and family allowances.

What academic qualifications are required for this position?

A Master’s degree (or equivalent, minimum 240 ECTS credits with at least 60 in advanced courses) in Ecology, Biology, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science, Data Science, or a related field is required.