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.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG), Umeå University, Sweden invites applicants for a PhD position in “Does reindeer increase the growth of trees?” to perform inventories of reindeer exclosures in Sweden and Finland and analyse forest growth, structure and function. The starting date for the position is 1 September 2020. Application deadline is July 1st, 2020.

Project description and working tasks
Although a large fraction of the boreal forest is grazed by reindeer, our knowledge of how they influence forest tree growth is limited. Preliminary studies indicate a strong positive effect of reindeer on tree growth. If these effects are representative for the whole boreal forest, reindeer are supplying a massive ecosystem service for the forestry, and forest owners and reindeer herders should collaborate to develop management methods that maximize forest production and enable sustainable grazing regimes. The aim of this project is thus to: 1. investigate how the effect of reindeer on tree growth varies across forest structures and grazing regimes, 2. investigate the mechanisms through which reindeer influence tree growth, and 3. communicate these results to end users.

The PhD student is expected to conduct fieldwork, chemical analyses, analyse data and write scientific papers within the subject of the project presented above. The position is full time for four years and placed at Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University. The work will be carried out in collaboration with LUKE, Rovaniemi and Oulu University.

Qualifications
The successful candidate is highly motivated, analytical, and have experience in field work, data analyses and scientific writing. To be eligible for this position you should have a Master of science degree, or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent and a completed MSc research project in plant ecology, soil ecology, botany, forestry or a similar field is required.

The successful applicant should further have documented good abilities to communicate (scientifically) in English, both orally and written, as well as creativity, power of initiative, independence and good ability to collaborate. Strong merits are demonstrated experience with field work, plant species identification, plant and soil chemical analyses and statistics.

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a secondcycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications, and have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to ecology comprising at least 120 credits. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialisation shall have been completed, as well an independent piece of work (degree project) with relevant specialisation of at least 15 credits.

We offer
The department of EMG has about 150 employees, of whom about 30 are PhDs’. Further, we offer a supportive workplace with good employee benefits; https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/benefits and an international staff support that can help you relocate; https://www.aurora.umu.se/en/new-staff/international-staff-support/

The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in research but also taking relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental activities (up to a maximum of 20% time) are typically included as well. 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
A full application, written in Swedish or English. should include:

  • A personal letter including a short summary of previous research experience, and your vision and ideas for the project (max 2 pages).
  • CV including list of publications, if applicable
  • Copy of degree certificate and other relevant certificates
  • Contact information of three references

You apply through our recruitment system on July 1st, 2020 at the latest. The documents should be in MS Word or PDF.

Contact
If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Johan Olofsson: johan.olofsson@umu.se

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2020-09-01
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-732-20
Contact
  • Johan Olofsson, universitetslektor, 090-786 77 04
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 15.May.2020
Last application date 01.Jul.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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