Senior Research Engineer in paleoecology (18 months) - ,

We are announcing a Senior Research Engineer position in paleoecology in a project focused on paleolimnological tools to reconstruct and synthesise environmental changes across the last millennia. The full-time position is limited to a duration of 18 months. The position is expected to start 1 April 2022 or according to agreement. Application deadline is 2022-03-01.

Project description
The project targets long-term ecological changes in arctic and alpine ecosystems to further our understanding of biodiversity change across the Holocene. The project includes two work packages: WP1 focusses on a pan-arctic synthesis of existing literature, while WP2 will generate Holocene records of insect biodiversity based on ancient DNA from lake sediment cores. Part of the work will be conducted within the Horizon 2020 Charter project and the candidate will closely collaborate with other working groups within this project.

 Work tasks

• Systematic literature screening and metaanalysis of existing studies
• Fieldwork in mountainous regions in Europe and North America
• Independent work in a sedimentological and ancient DNA lab
• Data analysis, specifically using bioinformatics, statistics and geospatial data
• Publishing of results in international, peer-reviewed journals
• Presentation of results at international conferences

Qualifications
We are searching for a person with a strong background in paleolimnology and paleoecology. The candidate has a PhD in Earth Sciences, paleoecology, paleoclimatology, or a closely related field. Experience with working in the field and in the laboratory, particularly to perform sediment-DNA analyses as well as basic paleolimnological analyses (e.g. XRF, grain-size, CNS) are essential. Excellent computational skills, in particular related to bioinformatics and GIS, and experience with statistical analyses, including proficiency in the use of programming languages such as R or Matlab, are essential. We seek an independent, creative and highly motivated individual, with good verbal and written communication skills in English. Experience with fieldwork in arctic or alpine regions is a merit.

How to apply
The application should contain the following, written in English (preferably) or Swedish:

• A personal cover letter including a summary of previous research experience as well as current and future research directions (max two pages).
• CV with academic qualifications and a description of the main research focus.
• A certified copy of doctoral degree certificate.
• A list of publications, with the three most relevant marked in red.

Contact
Any additional questions about the project or application should be directed to Johan Olofsson, Umeå University (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. For more information, visit: www.umu.se/emg