PhD position in ecology – Arctic plant-soil-microbe interactions in a seasonal perspective - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position on seasonal dynamics of plant-soil-microbe interactions in Arctic ecosystems, based at the Climate Impacts Research Centre in Abisko, north Sweden. The position is expected to start as soon as possible according to agreement. Application deadline is March 14 2019.

Project description
Arctic ecosystems store large amounts of organic carbon in plants and soil. Changes in their carbon uptake and release can therefore cause strong feedbacks to our climate. Uptake of carbon by arctic plants is strongly limited by their access to nutrients, especially nitrogen, due to competition by microbes. Climate change can alter the interactions between plants and microbes, and can therefore alter nitrogen and carbon cycles in arctic ecosystems. In the Arctic, climate change is especially pronounced during autumn, winter and spring, but their impacts on plant-soil-microbe interactions remain unclear, because most ecological and biogeochemical research in the arctic focusses on the short summer. The aim of this PhD-position is to investigate the seasonal dynamics of interactions for nitrogen between arctic plants and microbes, and how this changes with altered winter, spring and autumn climate.

The project will combine field measurements with more controlled common-garden mesocosm and laboratory experiments. We will use techniques from plant ecology, soil microbiology, and biogeochemistry, including isotope-based techniques. The experimental lab- and fieldwork will be performed in the subarctic/alpine tundra near Abisko (north Sweden) and at the research facilities of the Climate Impacts Research Centre. The PhD-project is part of a larger project including two postdocs, and you will therefore collaborate on most of the research. The PhD-position also includes a small portion of teaching (in English).

The position is financed by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and Umeå University. The main supervisor will be Dr. Ellen Dorrepaal.

Admission requirements
The candidate should have an academic background in Ecology or from similar fields. Essential requirements for this position are good knowledge of plant-soil interactions and demonstrated experience with ecological fieldwork.

The recruitment procedure for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 5 and 7). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (Swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or equivalent competence. Education should include 120 ECTS credits (2 years) subject relevant to ecology, at least one advanced course in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization, and a 15 ECTS credits independent project in ecology or a similar relevant field. The requirements should be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies.

Strong merits are knowledge of arctic terrestrial ecosystems, experience in the use of stable isotopes and statistics, experience with outdoor activities under arctic winter conditions, and driving license for cars. The successful applicant should have good ability to write and speak in English, creativity, power of initiative, independence, interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate. Evaluations will be based on the application, references and on interviews.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

How to apply
You apply through our recruitment system on March 14, 2019 at the latest. The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

1. A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in and suitable for the position
2. CV
3. Copy of certificates from higher education
4. List of completed university courses and the grades
5. Copy of degree thesis and possibly other scientific publications
6. Names and contact information of three reference persons

The documents should be in MS Word or PDF-format, all documents can be combined into one and be uploaded under "CV".

Contact
If you have questions regarding the position please contact Ellen Dorrepaal, ellen.dorrepaal@umu.se

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (www.emg.umu.se) carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 150 employees, about 30 of whom are PhD-students. The Climate Impacts Research Centre (CIRC) is part of the Department and undertakes research in how climate and environmental changes affect the ecosystems of the north. CIRC is stationed year-round in Abisko, Kiruna municipality. For further information, see www.arcticcirc.net.