The department includes 100 people of which about 10 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to progress the principles of forest ecosystem management. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/
Name of research project/thesis:
Thresholds and tipping points to global warming: community and ecosystem responses
Terrestrial ecosystems are important in providing key services to humankind, but under global warming the provisioning of such ecosystem services is at risk. However, there is little consensus on how the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems will change under projected scenarios of global warming, or when we will reach or surpass thresholds and tipping points. In the ERC-funded project THRESHOLD, we will unravel ecosystem responses to increasing temperatures in terms of the underlying non-linear responses of plants, soil organisms, and their communities. Since plants and their associated soil organisms (i.e., pathogens, mutualists, and decomposers) can vary in their responses to temperature change, global warming may disrupt or decouple interactions among coexisting and co-evolved species. This may have unforeseen consequences for key ecosystem functions, such as carbon and nutrient cycling.
THRESHOLD will use a novel cross-disciplinary approach to advance our fundamental knowledge of how non-linear temperature responses transcend different levels of ecological organization.
Please, note that this is one of two open PhD positions in the THRESHOLD project. If you are also interested in the other position (Ref nr SLU.ua.2021.2.5.1-2109), you will need to send in two separate applications.
Description:
This position will broadly focus on temperature effects on functional trait composition of plant and soil communities (microbes, nematodes, and other groups of soil fauna). For this, you will use forest-alpine and forest-tundra ecotones (from woody- to herbaceous-dominated vegetation) which cover temperature gradients on par with expected global warming scenarios. In the field, you will link the trait composition of plant and soil communities to ecosystem functions, in particular carbon and nutrient cycling. You will also use temperature-controlled climate chambers for mesocosm studies using plant and soil material collected from the field. This may include soil sterilization and re-inoculation approaches. The scope of this PhD project is deliberately broad, and is adaptable to suit the specific interests of the student that is appointed. This project would be ideal for anyone intending to specialize in community ecology, ecosystem ecology, plant ecology, or soil ecology.
Qualifications:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with excellent communication skills in written and verbal English, and a strong work ethic. Critical and creative thinking are essential skills. We seek a candidate who is capable of conducting primary research (in the field and in the lab) and developing scientific publications. The successful candidate need to be able to work in a team context as well as independently. Very good numerical and statistical skills and previous experiences with analyses of soil microbes or soil fauna are preferred. A driving license is required for travelling to field sites. Academic requirements include a M.Sc. (or comparable degree*) in Ecology or a closely related discipline, with an emphasis on plants and/or soils and/or global change. Applications from both Sweden and elsewhere in the world are welcome, and we particularly look forward to applications from under-represented groups in this area of research.
The main supervisor for this PhD position is Dr. Paul Kardol. Co-supervisors are Dr. Maja Sundqvist (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), Prof. Aimée Classen (University of Michigan, USA), and Prof. David Wardle (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore).
Place of work:
Umeå
Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as a PhD student for 4 years
Starting date:
There is some flexibility, but the anticipated starting date must be between 1 October 2021 and 1 January 2022.
Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2 August 2021, use the button below.
A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.
Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to 1) a 1-2 page cover letter in English, describing yourself and your motivation and match to the above-mentioned project; 2) a curriculum vitae, including your education, publications (if any), and relevant work experience; 3) certified copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, and one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree; 4) a list of at least three references familiar with the applicant's qualifications; 5) certified knowledge of the English language. An interview be the final part of the selection for top-ranked candidates.
Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.
Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/
Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas.
SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.
SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.
www.slu.se
SLU is an equal opportunity employer.
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