04 Postdoctoral Fellowship at Umea University, Sweden 

Assessment of the eutrophication status in the Gulf of Bothnia is challenging due to limited knowledge of how the phytoplankton primary production and the trophic balance are affected by varying nutrient and humic substance concentrations. Historically, phosphorus has been pointed out as the limiting nutrient for primary production in the area. However, recent data indicate that phosphorus concentrations are increasing and the seawater is becoming browner. In this project we will in the first step model how environmental factors influence the primary production, heterotrophic bacterial production and the trophic balance in the two basins of the Gulf of Bothnia; the Bothnian Bay and the Bothnian Sea. We will use available data from monitoring programs and research projects and apply multivariate statistics. Next step will be to model how environmental factors influences different phytoplankton species. Here, the occurrence of potentially mixotrophic species are of special interest, which can be expected to increase in browner seawater. The coupling between seawater browning and the surrounding forestry activity will be investigated by using forestry databases, like “Skogsstyrelsens statistikdatabas”. The aim is to set up ecological prediction models to assess the risk of disturbances of production and biodiversity in the Gulf of Bothnia.

Geomorphic characterization and classification of streams/rivers is important for both understanding geomorphic change and as a tool within water management. Because hydro-geomorphic classification of streams/rivers in Sweden is the basis for environmental protection and monitoring adherence of environmental laws, it is imperative that the classification follows a scientific basis and reflects key geomorphic processes. For current classifications in Sweden, accurate remote-sensing methods for nationwide application with field-testing have not been developed. In this project, funded by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (HaV), we aim (1) to determine metrics from remote data that can accurately classify channel segments using machine-learning and field-testing, and (2) to classify channel segments throughout Sweden using these developed methods.  The postdoctoral fellow will lead the field campaign and data analysis and will develop methods together with Dr. Lina Polvi Sjöberg and personnel at HaV.  Project advances: We anticipate that the postdoctoral fellow will make key advances in understanding morphology of rivers in Sweden, many of which have a strong glacial imprint through glacial till that create semi-alluvial channels and channel networks with abundant lakes. This will be accomplished by 1) understanding potential controls on channel morphology (e.g., surficial geology, catchment characteristics, valley morphology), 2) determining how remote data can accurately describe channel morphology, providing a sensitivity analysis of results. The postdoctoral fellow will also make large contributions to the management of Swedish stream systems by providing important channel classification results.

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture. The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

The Department of Psychology offers an active and creative research and education environment for both employees and students. More detailed information about the department can be found on our website