PhD student in in theoretical ecology

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The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology at Linköping Univertsity invites applications for a Doctoral Candidate position within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network ReDiLEEP (Using science-driven Re sponse Di versity knowledge to L everage E fficient E cosystem P reservationand restoration). ReDiLEEP brings together leading universities, research institutes, and non-academic partners across Europe and beyond to advance response diversity research and translate new knowledge into ecosystem management, restoration, and biodiversity policy. The Doctoral Candidate will contribute to this effort by investigating the relationship between the structural organization of ecological networks and response diversity.

Research Project DC1 : How structural patterns of species interactions affect response diversity

Response diversity describes the variation in how individuals, species, or functional groups respond to environmental change and the concept is increasingly recognised as a key driver of ecosystem resilience. Understanding and promoting response diversity is therefore essential for conserving biodiversity and supporting resilient ecosystems in a changing world.

Ecosystems can be described as complex networks of interacting species. DC1 will investigate how the structure of these networks shapes response diversity and ecosystem resilience. Using network analysis and community detection methods, the project will identify groups of species based on their interactions and examine how these structures contribute to response diversity. Dynamical simulations will be used to explore how response diversity changes under species loss, altered interactions, and environmental stress. The work is theoretical and computational, combining synthetic and empirical ecological networks.

Your work assignments

• Carry out theoretical research on response diversity, ecological networks, and ecosystem stability using mathematical and computational approaches.
• Develop and implement computational models and analysis code for simulated and empirical ecological networks.
• Analyses and interpret results in close collaboration with empirical ecologists within the ReDiLEEP network.
• Conduct the research in accordance with the agreed research plan.
• Contribute actively to scientific discussions and collaborations within the research group and the wider ReDiLEEP network.Produce scientific publications and present your research at international conferences and network meetings.
• Participate actively in ReDiLEEP network training, secondments, dissemination, reporting, and cohort activities.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Secondments and Network Training

The position includes 7 months of planned secondments:

• 3 months at University of Namur: Integrating network group structure with trait theory
• 3 months at Cardiff University: Bridging network models and interaction experiments
• 1 month at Lutra Interactive: Development of interactive visualization of key results

Your qualifications

The candidate must have

• Graduated at Master's level in ecology, biology, applied mathematics, computational science, data science or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in ecology, biology, applied mathematics, computational science, data science. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.
• Strong interest in theoretical ecology, ecological networks, response diversity, ecosystem stability, and mathematical and computational modelling.
• Experience with scientific programming, quantitative analysis, or computational modelling, preferably using R, Python, C++, or comparable tools.
• Interest in ecological modelling, network analysis, dynamical systems, and linking theoretical approaches with empirical ecological data.
• Ability to work independently while contributing constructively to an international, interdisciplinary doctoral network.
• Excellent written and spoken English and strong scientific writing skills.

Experience with ecological modelling, ecological network analysis, dynamical systems, community ecology, or working with empirical biodiversity data is an advantage.

A letter of intent should be attached to the application to support the above mentioned experiences and interests.

MSCA Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network eligibility requirements at the recruitment date:

• Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
• Applicants must be doctoral candidates and be enrolled, or eligible to be enrolled, in a doctoral programme at Linköping University
• Applicants must work full-time and exclusively for the ReDiLEEP project during the appointment, in accordance with the applicable MSCA rules.
• Mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity, such as work or studies, in Sweden for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
• Exceptions to the mobility rule apply for compulsory national service, refugee status, and temporary protection.

Your workplace

Your workplace will be at the Biology division at The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Bioogy (IFM).
Professor Anna Eklöf:
ReDiLEEP network:

What We Offer

• A 48-month full-time doctoral position at Linköping University within an international MSCA Doctoral Networks.
• Supervision by Prof. Anna Eklöf, with access to expertise in theoretical and community ecology, ecological networks, biodiversity, and mathematical and computational modelling.
• A stimulating research environment combining ecological theory, mathematical modelling, network science, and empirical ecology.
• International secondments with academic and non-academic partners, plus network-wide training, mentoring, and opportunities for international collaboration.
• A position in a diverse team of international researchers, with a friendly and collaborative work environment and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
• Relocation and integration support for international researchers through Linköping University and EURAXESS.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years' full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan.

Salary and employment benefits

The position is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks framework and will follow the applicable MSCA Doctoral Network conditions and Linköping University employment regulations.

• Gross salary: In accordance with the regulation of the Marie Curie Fellowship
• Duration: 48 months, full-time.
• Place of work: Linköping University, Sweden
• Start of employment: Feb 1st 2027 The appointment is subject to final MSCA eligibility verification, doctoral programme enrolment, and completion of Linköping University administrative onboarding.

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 5 October 2026.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.


We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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Contact persons

Anna Eklöf


Professor in Theoretical biology


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