PhD: Sustainable antifouling strategies for invasive species control

We are looking for a PhD-candidate within the area of biofouling/antifouling, who will perform work contributing to sustainable ship hull maintenance strategies with a focus on invasive species control. This PhD position offers the opportunity to join an inclusive and creative interdisciplinary team conducting research to mitigate the environmental impact of shipping. The position combines theoretical elements with experimental work in both field and lab. The PhD candidate will work within a novel field of research where results will be used by both industry and authorities.

Project description
Biofouling on ship hulls leads to increased energy consumption as well as a high risk to transfer invasive species. The so called niche areas of the ships has recently gained attention as hotspots for transfer of marine organisms, including invasive species. The project will focus on ships niche areas, e.g. sea chests, and assess environmentally benign and effective different approaches to mitigate biofouling. The different mitigation strategies will be studied both experimentally and by ship investigations in the field.

The project also aims to identify, based on traffic patterns, so-called high-risk ports and vessels where invasive or door-knocking species are likely to arrive and establish viable and reproducing populations posing a threat to surrounding areas. Sampling for target species will mainly be conducted in ports and identified using molecular methods.

Major responsibilities
The successful candidate will conduct field work as well as experiments in lab. The invasive species will be identified using molecular methods and the efficiency of present and novel antifouling measures will be evaluated. The candidate will prepare and participate in field work to assess the efficacy of different antifouling strategies in ships’ niche areas. Experience in lab and field work is mandatory since sampling in niche areas and of ships’ cooling water will be conducted and analyzed for e-DNA and biocide emission. The candidate will conduct environmental risk and impact assessments of different antifouling strategies in ships’ niche areas, and based on AIS data, port statistics and environmental data develop a model for assessing vessels with high risk of introducing invasive species. The candidate will be responsible for disseminating results through conferences, seminar presentations and publications in relevant scientific journals.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The work will include interpretation of collected data, statistical analyses and writing scientific papers.
Your work as a PhD student is performed within an established research group and in collaboration with shipping operators, ports and authorities. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD-student you must have a Master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field such as marine science, environmental science, marine biology, oceanography or other relevant.
You are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills in English, good analytical skills and strong commitment to scientific inquiry.
Experience of lab work and marine biology is mandatory.
Knowledge and/or experience in the area of marine taxonomy and experience from work in the maritime sector such as at sea or in harbors or marine environmental monitoring, are meritorious.
We also believe that you have a strong curiosity and genuine wish to learn and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4,5 years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with reference number 20230623 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.
CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, reference number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, ref.number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: November 18, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Lena Granhag,
Email: lena.granhag@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***