The Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 110 employees and educates approximately 1 000 students annually. Education is oriented towards geography, geosciences, biology-earth sciences, and environmental protection and environmental management. The main research areas are: Geomorphology and Glaciology; Water, Permafrost and Environmental Systems; Climate Science and Quaternary Geology; and Landscape, Evironment and Geomatics. We offer a stimulating and friendly environment in a very diverse and international department.

Project description
The postdoc project focuses on modelling soil microbial processes in the context of the ERC-funded project “Soil MIcrobial responses to land use and climatic changes in the Light of Evolution (SMILE)”. Microbial processes have global-scale impacts, including climate regulation and provision of nutrients to plants, but how microbes respond to changes in soil resources remains challenging to understand and quantify with models. We thus need to improve the predictability of carbon and nutrient cycling. To address these challenges, this PhD project will explore theoretical approaches towards a holistic description of microbial processes in soils.

Main responsibilities
The appointed postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing mathematical models of microbial processes and testing them with data, and presenting results in scientific articles and conferences. 

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree should have been completed no more than three years before the time when the employment decision is made. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons 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, special attention will be given to candidates with degrees in a relevant discipline (physical geography, engineering, applied mathematics, soil science, ecology, hydrology) and a strong computational or mathematical background. Proven experience with computer programming and soil biogeochemical models is vital. The candidate should have extensive knowledge of theories on ecological stoichiometry and bioenergetics. Experience of publishing in top-level journals in English is important.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date 2022-04-01 or as per agreement.

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 Docent Stefano Manzoni, telephone: +46 8 674 78 02, stefano.manzoni@natgeo.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. 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.

Please include the following information with your application

  • Your contact details and personal data
  • Your highest degree
  • Your language skills
  • Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

  • Cover letter
  • CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
  • Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  • – state of the art on the project topic described in the advertisement (max half page)
    – knowledge gaps that need to be addressed (max half page)
    – proposed approach to fill the identified gaps and how it is related to the applicant’s knowledge/expertise and previous experiences (max one page)
  • Copy of PhD diploma
  • Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
  • Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 15/03/2022

URL to this pagehttps://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=17131&rmlang=UK