PhD student position in ecology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

We are looking for a PhD-student in ecology within the project “Effects of herbivores on nutrient cycling and primary production” jointly funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas and the department of Ecology and Environmental Science at Umeå University. The position is full time for four years. The deadline for applications is 2017-03-10.

Project description
The vegetation is presently changing in the Arctic in response to a changing climate. Herbivores are important for the structure and function of arctic vegetation, directly via eating plants and indirectly via altering nutrient cycling. Increased knowledge about the interactive effects of climate and herbivores is important for understanding future changes in arctic ecosystems. We are looking for an ecologist who is interested in joining our effort in addressing this research field. You will study how the importance of herbivores for vegetation composition and nutrient cycling varies across arctic ecosystems, and which mechanisms drive this variation. The project will include studies along natural gradients, utilization of ongoing long-term experiments and new small scale experiments, and will involve field work in remote locations. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the supervisor Johan Olofsson and co-supervisor Maja Sundqvist, Umeå University.

Competence requirements
The successful candidate should hold a master degree (or equivalent) in ecology. Experience in field work, work in arctic environments, vegetation analyses, soil analyses and working with plant-herbivore interactions are all meriting. The applicant must be highly motivated and be able to work independently as well as a part of the research group. The candidate must have excellent English skills both in writing and orally. To be admitted the applicant is required to have completed a master level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at advanced level, or have an equivalent education from abroad or equivalent qualifications. This position specifically requires 120 ECTS credits in a subject relevant for ecology with an degree project with relevant specialisation of at least 15 ECTS credits.

About the position
The position is a full-time employment that extends up to four years. If part-time teaching (max 20%) is offered, then the period of employment can be extended. The position will open in spring 2017 (exact start date can be negotiated).

Application
Applications must be submitted via e-recruitment system MyNetwork Pro, no later than 2017-03-10.

The application should include:

• A cover letter with a brief description of qualifications, research interests, and motivation.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant degree diploma(s).
• A list of university courses with grades. Note that for international applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
• A copy of master thesis and publications (if any).
• Contact information of three reference persons.

Contact
For more information contact Johan.Olofsson@umu.se

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 150 employees, about 28 of whom are PhD students. For more information, visit www.emg.umu.se