PhD position in Ecology - 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 focused on effects of climate change on marine food web function and quality. The position is expected to start in August 2019 or according to agreement. Application deadline is 17 May 2019.

Description
The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science opens a PhD student position in ecology focused on effects of climate change on marine food-web function and quality. Climate-change scenarios indicate that precipitation will increase in northern Europe during the next century, which will cause increased inflow of terrestrial organic matter to coastal areas. This, in turn, will cause decreased phytoplankton primary production and promote heterotrophic bacterial production. It is unknown how such change at the base of the food web affect higher trophic levels, such as zooplankton and fish. The PhD student will analyze ecological time series data to elucidate effects of climate-related changes on the pelagic food-web function. Study organisms range from microorganisms to fish, covering multiple trophic levels. Fatty-acid composition will be assessed to determine the quality of the marine food webs. The research includes synthesis of available data as well as performing field studies and experiments.

The PhD position is financed by Umeå University. The project is performed within the frame of the marine strategic research environment EcoChange.

Qualifications
To be admitted for PhD studies the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

The candidate should have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to ecology comprising at least 120 ECTS credits. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization shall have been completed, as well an independent piece of work (degree project) with relevant specialization of at least 15 ECTS credits.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with relevant academic background in ecology, mathematics, statistics or corresponding education. The candidate should have a very good capability in written and spoken English, be creative and able to take own initiatives. The candidate should be independent and have social competence and collaborative ability. It is expected that the candidate develops independence and builds up network contacts during the education.

About the position
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies which include both participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). Employment is limited to four years of full-time or up to five years for teaching part time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position.

Application

The application shall be done via our e-recruitment system and be submitted 17 May 2019, at the latest.

The application, written in Swedish or English, should include:

• Letter where the applicant describes her/himself in relation to the above described requirements, a motivation to why the applicant is interested in the position and a short description of the candidate´s research interests and ideas
• CV with academic qualifications.
• Publication list.
• Electronic copy of the MSc-thesis.
• Scientific articles, grade certificates or other documentation that supports the applicant´s qualification for the position.
• Contact information to three reference persons.

The evaluation will be based on the applicant´s letter, references, interview and the quality of the master thesis and other publications. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of approval to the PhD position.

Information
Prof. Agneta Andersson, Umeå University (UmU), will be main supervisor. Assoc. Prof. Johan Wikner (UmU), Dr. Danny Lau (UmU), Prof. Sara de Luna (UmU) and Prof. Anna Gårdmark (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) will be assistant supervisor.

Contact
More information can be given by Professor Agneta Andersson, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. Tel: +46 90-786 9845, e-mail agneta.andersson@umu.se

The Department of Ecology and Environment Science (EMG) performs research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department have ~120 co-workers of which ~30 are PhD students. For more information see www.emg.umu.se