Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

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The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in stream and riparian biogeochemistry. The expected starting date for the PhD position is June 01, 2019 but this can be negotiated. Application deadline is April 1, 2019.

Project description
Ecosystem processes on land regulate the timing and magnitude of carbon and nutrient supply to aquatic systems (streams and lakes). In northern boreal landscapes, we hypothesize that belowground carbon (C) allocation by trees regulates this exchange by supplying the labile organic matter that drives biogeochemical processes at land-water boundaries. To test this hypothesis, this PhD student will help lead a large field experiment using ‘stem compression’ to reduce belowground C allocation in riparian zones along small boreal streams. In response, we will document changes in the organic and inorganic resource pools in soils, measure microbial activity along groundwater flowpaths, and evaluate biogeochemical responses in adjacent streams. This student will have the opportunity and freedom to explore novel connections across the fields of plant ecophysiology, soil science, and aquatic ecosystem ecology.

About the position
This position is fully financed through the Swedish Research Council (VR) and Umeå University. Ryan Sponseller will be the main supervisor. Martin Berggren (Lund University), Hjalmar Laudon (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU), Sandra Jämtgård (SLU), and Torgny Näsholm (SLU) are collaborators on this project and are potential co-supervisors for the PhD student. This position represents an outstanding opportunity for broad training in terrestrial, aquatic, and watershed biogeochemistry.

Admission requirements
For this position, we are looking for a person interested in belowground processes in forest ecosystems, riparian zone biogeochemistry, and/or stream ecosystem science. We expect the candidate to have an academic background in Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.

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) in subjects relevant to ecology and/or environmental science, at least one course at an advanced level in ecology or a similar field, as well as a 15 ECTS credits independent project in ecology or a similar field. The requirements should be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies.

Additional requirements for this position are good knowledge of soil and/or aquatic biogeochemistry. A driver’s license for cars is also required. Strong merits include experience with fieldwork studying root processes and/or prior work on carbon cycling in soils and/or aquatic ecosystems. The successful applicant should be able to write and speak in English, be creative, and show initiative. She/he should also show independence, yet have the ability to collaborate within a larger research group. Evaluations will be based on the application 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% time) 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.

Application
You apply through our recruitment system on April 1, 2019 at the latest. The application may be written in English or Swedish and should include:

  • A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in the position
  • CV
  • Copy of certificates from higher education
  • List of completed university courses and the grades
  • Copy of publications/degree thesis
  • Contact information of 3 reference persons

Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.

Contact
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Associate Professor Ryan Sponseller ryan.sponseller@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 and about 30 of these are PhD students. For more information, visit www.emg.umu.se

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment June 01, 2019 or according to agreement.
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-321-19
Contact
  • Ryan Sponseller, Associate Professor, 090-786 65 50
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 21.Feb.2019
Last application date 01.Apr.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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