Postdoctoral Fellow in Eco-evolutionary Modelling and Machine Learning

The Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences (DEEP) at Stockholm University is located in the Arrhenius Laboratories on the Frescati campus. Currently, approximately 100 people, including around 35 PhD students and 15 postdoctoral researchers, work in 25 research groups at the department.

More information about us, please visit: the Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences

Project description

The Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences invites applications for a postdoctoral position within the research project “A digital twin of phytoplankton: creating a digital twin of phytoplankton to understand eco-evolutionary dynamics under global change.”

The project aims to develop a computational digital twin of phytoplankton communities by integrating trait-based eco-evolutionary theory, high-frequency in situ monitoring data, and machine learning methods. Using a unique multi-year dataset, the project will infer fitness and growth functions governing phytoplankton populations and communities under varying environmental and biotic conditions. The overarching goal is to improve mechanistic understanding and predictive capacity regarding community reorganization and adaptation under environmental change.

The project is led by Professor Jon Norberg (Stockholm University) in close collaboration with Dr. Francesco Pomati (EAWAG, Switzerland) and is funded by the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet).

Main responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct research within the VR-funded project. The main responsibilities include:

• Developing and analysing eco-evolutionary and trait-based models of phytoplankton communities
• Applying machine learning and scientific machine learning (SciML) approaches to infer fitness and growth dynamics from observational data
• Integrating dynamical systems modelling with high-frequency ecological time-series data
• Contributing to the interpretation of model results in an ecological and evolutionary context
• Publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and actively participating in project meetings and collaborations.

The position is primarily computational and theoretical, but close interaction with empirical data and interdisciplinary collaboration is a central component of the work.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, particular attention will be given to scientific excellence and research skills, especially within one or more of the following areas:

• Eco-evolutionary theory or ecological modelling
• Trait-based or community-level ecological analysis
• Dynamical systems, mathematical or computational modelling
• Machine learning or data-driven modelling applied to ecological systems.

Experience working with large ecological datasets, programming (e.g. Julia, Python, or similar), and interdisciplinary research is considered highly meritorious. Excellent proficiency in English (the working language of the group) is required. The postdoctoral fellow must be able to work both independently and collaboratively. Creativity, analytical ability, and scientific curiosity are desirable personal qualities.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2026-09-01 or as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Jon Norberg, jon.norberg@su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.