1- PhD student in Biology with a focus on Forest Pathology:
Ref SLU.ua.2023.2.5.1-199: The Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, SLU, is looking for a PhD student who in collaboration with the forestry company SCA will work in research projects about the fungal disease Scots pine blister rust.
Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
The department undertakes both basic and applied research with a focus on interactions involving plants, fungi and other microorganisms and their role in forest and agricultural systems.
Research subject:
Scots pine blister rust is a serious fungal disease that attacks pine trees of all ages. In the last 20 years, attacks have increased in northern Sweden, mainly in young forest, with annual damage losses amounting to several million Swedish crowns. For several years, the department has collaborated with the forestry company SCA to increase knowledge about the disease, its epidemiology and how to manage infested forests.
The overall goal of the doctoral project is to increase knowledge about the biology of the blister rust fungus (Cronartium pini) and which factors contribute to the increased attacks. As a doctoral student, you will participate in the development of risk maps for the blister rust based on inventories of site variables and disease frequency. The impact of various forestry measures, climate factors and growth rate of the pine will also be investigated. The doctoral project also includes genetic studies of the relationship between the two forms of Cronartium pini, a host-alternating and a non host-alternating, as well as what role they have in the ongoing epidemic.
As a doctoral student, you will work mainly in the above project, but you will also be involved in projects and competence development at the forestry company SCA during approximately 20% of the employment period.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated person who has a Forester’s degree or a Master in Forest Science, Biology or equivalent. Documented knowledge in forest or plant pathology, forestry, microbiology, mycology or molecular biology as well as knowledge in statistics is higly valued. Since the position will include work in the field, a driver’s license (B) is a requirement. The candidate should have good communication skills. Written and spoken English is required, and written and spoken Swedish is highly valued. Personal qualities such as accuracy and the ability to work independently are highly valued. Being analytical and strong in team building is a merit.
Place of work:
Your workplace will be SLU in Uppsala, but the work includes travel to forest stands in northern Sweden.
Forms for funding or employment: Full time PhD student position, 5 years.
Starting date: According to agreement.
Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-02-20.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English.
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
Academic union representatives:
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
The Swedish forest industry is an economically important sector and employs tens of thousands of people. The core of SCA is the growing forest, Europe’s largest private forest holding. Around this unique resource, we have built a well-developed value chain based on renewable raw material from our own and others’ forests. We offer packaging paper, pulp, wood products, renewable energy, services for forest owners and efficient transport solutions.
Contact person
Berit Samils: Associate professor +46-18672727 berit.samils@slu.se & Henrik Svennerstam Researcher, Skogforsk
henrik.svennerstam@skogforsk.se. Anna Marntell Skoglig specialist, SCA anna.marntell@sca.com
2- PhD position in soil ecology focusing on earthworms, soil microorganisms and carbon dynamics:
Ref SLU.ua.2023.2.5.1-69
We conduct state-of-art research on the soil system in both national and international contexts. Our research focuses on fundamental soil properties and processes, as well as how soil functions are affected by changes in environmental conditions, including climate change. Through research, environmental analysis and education, we contribute knowledge about future sustainable land use and develop new solutions as a basis for decision-making in agriculture, forestry and the urban environment. The working environment at the department is international and we have around 100 employees.
Our research is carried out in seven subject groups with a focus on soil biology, soil nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, agricultural water management, soil and environmental physics, soil mechanics and soil tillage, and the biogeochemistry of forest soils. We are responsible for important research infrastructure in the form of soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, an X-ray scanner, long-term field experiments, a lysimeter facility, and the field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta. The Department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced level.
We are a part of the Soil, Water and Environment Center at SLU (MVM-center), which provides links to research on water systems, recycling and bioenergy. Our work is aligned to national environmental and climate goals as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are situated at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara.
Description:
A PhD position in soil biology with specialization in soil ecology and biogeochemistry of northern forests is available at the Department of Soil and Environment of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala. The appointed PhD student will work within the VR project: ‘Invasive earthworms in northern Scandinavia; effects on soil microorganisms and carbon dynamics’. The position is placed within the Soil Biology group, a strong research environment where molecular analyses constitute a foundation for integrating theories of how microorganisms interact with plants and the soil food web to regulate biological processes in soils as well as ecosystem production and carbon (C) sequestration.
Research project/thesis:
Although earthworms are widely present in European forests, the northern regions of Scandinavia are still largely lacking burrowing earthworm species. The expansion of such species into northern forests may have dramatic effects on the capacity of these soils to store carbon. In addition to physical soil mixing, earthworms may have cascading effects on soil microorganisms that control decomposition and nitrogen availability. The aim of this project is to quantify the impacts of burrowing earthworm expansion on soil C and N cycling in Scandinavia’s northern forests, and the mechanisms by which earthworms affect soil processes. We will use controlled mesocosm experiments and identify current and historical invasion gradients using eDNA analysis of soils sampled across Sweden to quantify effects of earthworms on soil fungi and bacteria and C sequestration. This project will identify whether climate-driven expansion of burrowing earthworm species is a threat for C storage in northern forest soils.
The PhD student is expected to develop their thesis work within this project, supported by the main supervisor and a co-supervisors. Additionally the student will develop their academic skills by following PhD courses and be involved in teaching undergraduate students.
Qualifications:
The applicant must have an MSc degree in soil biology, ecology, microbiology, environmental sciences or equivalent.
The candidate should have a good ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
Strong merits are: Experience in linking soil community ecology to biogeochemical cycling, documented experience in molecular analyses and bioinformatics, soil zoology, (experimental) fieldwork and experience in quantitative data analyses (e.g. statistics, modelling).
Independence, creativity, power of initiative, good interpersonal skills and a driver’s license are considered valuable assets.
The application should contain:
- Application letter (max 2 pages) motivating why you are interested in the position
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Contact information for two reference persons relevant to this position (e.g. thesis supervisors)
- Evaluations will be based on the application, references, knowledge of English and interviews.
Applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Non-Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details
Place of work : Uppsala
Forms for funding or employment:Employment 4 years
Starting date: 2023-05-01 or according to agreement
Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-02-17
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
Contact person
Eveline Krab. Universitetslektor, Markbiologi, +4618672470 eveline.krab@slu.se
3- Ph. D. student in Biology at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology:
Ref SLU.ua.2022.2.5.1-4888: The department is is located to SLU’s campus in Uppsala. Our researchers have broad expertise in molecular and ecological microbiology, and forest and plant pathology. Central questions concern the population biology and community structure of microorganisms, their functions especially in nutrient metabolism and for tree health, as well as the interaction between microorganisms and other groups of organisms. Important research areas are genetics, biocontrol, ecology, population biology of microorganisms as well as modelling and control of forest and plant diseases in the field.
Duties:
In order to strengthen innovation in biological production systems, the Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) within the call for proposals “Biotechnology and processing” has financed the seeding project “Landscape processing: A new paradigm in forest management/tree processing” research/food-feed-and-forest-2020/project/11358/ ) between 2022 and 2026. The goal of the research project is to develop a digitized forest tree breeding strategy that overcomes limitations found in traditional forest tree breeding. By utilizing commercial and natural forest stocks and taking climate and environmental variables into account in analyzes and models, the project wants to accelerate the breeding of forest trees.
Within the project, we are looking for three PhD students to develop various aspects of a digitized forest tree breeding strategy based on population genetic analyzes and remote sensing technology. Population genetic analyzes and remote sensing phenotyping will be performed at the landscape level to develop predictive models to improve forest resilience, biomass production and biodiversity.
The doctoral studies will be conducted as part of a large research project and a high degree of collaboration is expected between doctoral students and postdocs in complementary disciplines. The three different doctoral students will work at three strong research environments at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
The doctoral position in forest pathology will focus on using remote sensing in combination with molecular and genetic methods to identify, measure and predict damage by forest pathogens is located at the department of forest mycology and plant pathology is part of the Biocentrum on SLU’s campus in Uppsala.
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated and collaborative person with an interest in remote sensing of forest diseases. The candidate must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in a subjectrelevant to the position Biology, Ecology, Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Forest Science or. Good ability to communicate in spoken and written English is an absolute requirement, this can be proven through scholarly works written in English by the candidate (eg an MSc thesis or other published or informal material). Knowledge in one or more of the following areas; plant biology, plant or forest pathology, quantitative and population genetics, molecular biology or bioinformatics are meritorious. Proven previous experience of or skills in collecting field data and Swedish or international driver’s license are desirable.
Application:
- CV/résumé
- Diplomas and register extracts from previous studies at basic and advanced level at a university or college.
- A copy of a master’s thesis at advanced level whose scope corresponds to at least 15 higher education credits or other relevant independent work of equivalent difficulty and scope.
- Documents proving eligibility in English B/6 or equivalent.
- If the applicant has foreign citizenship, a certified copy of the page in the passport containing the photo and personal information must be attached
- It is desirable that a list of reference persons and their contact information is also attached.
- A Swedish or international driver’s license is desirable.
Place of work: Uppsala
Form of employment: Employment as a Ph.D. student
Extent: 100%
Starting date: According to agreement.
Application: We welcome your application no later than 2022-01-20, use the button below.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
Contact person
Malin Elfstrand 018-671579 Malin.Elfstrand@slu.se , Rosario Garcia Gil. Docent m.rosario.garcia@slu.se , Eva Lindberg, Universitetslektor +46907868536 Eva.Lindberg@slu.se
4- PhD-project on continuous-cover forestry and the risks of damage caused by insects and ungulates:
Ref SLU.ua.2022.2.5.1-4829: Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies
SLU is one of the world’s highest ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR.org) and #7 in biodiversity conservation. We carry out research, teaching and dissemination of scientific findings with direct application to the sustainable management of forests. We have a multidisciplinary profile, with global relevance and specialized expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. We closely collaborate with multiple stakeholders and conduct applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy and planning.
The position is placed at the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies at SLU Umeå, Sweden. The department offers a creative and stimulating environment and perform internationally recognized basic and applied research, education and environmental monitoring in the research areas: animal ecology, aquatic ecology, molecular ecology and restoration .The department has a large proportion of international employees and well established national and international cooperation which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange.
Research subject Biology
Description:
In managed forests, continuous-cover forestry (CCF) has a potential to mitigate negative effects of even-aged forestry on biodiversity, by better emulating natural disturbance dynamics. Whereas important research has been conducted on the production and biodiversity benefits of CCF substantial knowledge gap persists regarding associated risks of stand-level biotic damage. In spruce forests, an increase in structural diversity in CCF relative to conventional methods is proposed to lead to higher biodiversity, which could strengthen ecological processes affecting population dynamics of damage-inducing herbivores such as sawflies, and cambivores, such as bark beetles. The limited spatial extent of disturbance caused by CCF may also influence the availability of stand-level browse for large herbivores, altering both browsing damage and the dynamics of insect populations causing forest damages.
In this 4-year PhD project, you will compare CCF and even-aged forestry in terms of their direct and indirect effects on forest damage. You will work in several already established Norway spruce dominated study areas in mid-Sweden and southern Finland. The primary study questions will focus on disentangling the role of the chosen forest-management method on biodiversity, damage by bark beetles and sawflies, browsing pressure by ungulates, and the interactions among these. The work is carried out by observational and experimental approaches. The project includes a considerable amount of travel and field work.
You will work together with a group of researchers from several departments at SLU and Natural resources institute Finland (LUKE). You will be part of the Restoration Ecology research group at SLU in Umeå and the Forest Damage Centre Research School.
Qualifications:
You should have a Master’s degree in biology, ecology or forestry, with relevant focus based on the project to be undertaken (i.e., specialization in community or insect ecology, or forest/plant ecology, or plant-herbivore interactions). Experience in design, execution and analysis of field-based experiments, preferably involving ecological interactions, is desired. Knowledge on statistical methods, preferably in R, and their application is an extra merit. Proven excellence in written and spoken English is essential (either a proof from Swedish gymnasium or TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge ESOL). The fieldwork will take place at multiple locations; a driver’s license is therefore required. Within this project you will work and participate in an active research environment, and must be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a group.
Starting date: 2023-04-15 or according to agreement.
Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-01-31.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English.
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
Contact person
Anne-Maarit Hekkala, Researcher, +46907868370 anne.maarit.hekkla@slu.se
5- PhD position in management of fast growing broadleaves and their role in bio-economy:
Ref SLU.ua.2022.2.5.1-4554: We are accepting applications for a four-year PhD position at Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU) Department of Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre. The project works in close collaboration with Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), forest stakeholders and Center of Excellence (TREES FOR ME).
Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
SLU is one of the world’s highest ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR). At our centre we carry out research, teaching and dissemination of scientific findings with direct application to the sustainable management of forests. We have a multidisciplinary profile, with global relevance and specialized expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. We closely collaborate with multiple stakeholders and conduct applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy and planning. We teach bachelor, Masters and PhD level courses addressing all of these subject areas.
Selection of poplar genotypes for climate change adaptation
Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated person to conduct research on management of fast growing broadleaf trees species i.e. poplars and hybrid aspen. The successful candidate will as part of a PhD position conduct research to on methodology of identifying high performing poplar genotypes, identify site adapted planting material and investigate how climate change can influence biomass production at regional and national level. This increased understanding is critical to adapt to a future climate to ensure sustainable future biomass supply to the bio-economy.
For this research, we will use existing data that will be complemented with high-through-put plant phenotyping and establishment of new field experiments. In the project there is a great possibility to include your own ideas and thoughts to the project. The work will consist of both outdoor fieldwork and laboratory work. The selected candidate will join a creative research environment with international colleagues.
Qualifications:
As doctoral appointments are career-developing positions, we are looking for candidates with a master degree. The candidate, we are seeking for is a highly motivated person with a master degree in, genetics, plant biotechnology, biomass production, silviculture, forest science, forest management, biology, biostatistics, forest restoration or equivalent, with ideally a focus on genetics, plant physiology, biomass production systems, growth modeling, climate effect on plant growth and plant physiology. Applicants should also have:
- Excellent verbal and written English
- Knowledge in data analysis and modelling using R, or similar programs
- Ability to contribute to a positive environment in an inclusive and diverse team
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Taking pride in original and high-quality work
- Experience or an interest in novel technologies
- Works well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Have strategic and creative mindset
- Driver’s license and willingness to perform fieldwork
- Willingness to participate in mentoring undergraduate research
We offer you:
- A stimulating work environment
- Possibility to join a research team
- Possibility to contribute with your skills and personality.
- Warried work tasks and great freedom to develop your own ideas together with colleagues.
- Participation in national and international scientific conferences and meetings
- Collaboration with end-users in government and industry
- Mentorship and support in an expanding research team
- Opportunity to contribute novel and original insights to forest management in the face of global change
- Possibility to publish in top ranked journals.
Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-02-15.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English.
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses
Contact person
Henrik Böhlenius, Associate Professor, +4640415178 Henrik.Böhlenius@slu.se
6- PhD position in forest policy and planning:
Ref SLU.ua.2022.2.5.1-4684, Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre
SLU is one of the world’s highest ranked universities in several subject areas and is ranked #1 in forestry (CWUR). At our centre we carry out research, teaching and dissemination of scientific findings with direct application to the sustainable management of forests. We have a multidisciplinary profile, with global relevance and specialized expertise on forests and forestry as complex socio-ecological systems. We closely collaborate with multiple stakeholders and conduct applied research in silviculture, forest ecology, pathology, policy and planning. We teach bachelor, Masters and PhD level courses addressing all of these subject areas.
Forest planning for meeting forest owner’s and societal demands
Description:
The aim of this PhD student position is a doctoral degree within a 4-year PhD project. The forest management plan represents a key instrument for the family forest owner putting forest management into operation. The project will examine ways to improve the way forest management plans are developed so that they better respond to forest owner’s needs and take a better account of values in the surrounding landscape. The current – single-objective and single-scenario – format of the plan should be revised to allow the owner to better balance diverse objectives and consider a broader range of management options.
Therefore, there is a need for advancing the core capacity of those preparing the plans – the planners – from production-oriented technical expertise to a wider skillset that includes economic outcomes, recreational values, forest for next generation owners, and landscape values. Towards these ends, the project will: (i) Make in-depth investigations of current knowledge management for constructing and using forest management plans; (ii) Explore and test methods for how ecosystem service trade-offs among different management options can be brought into the forest management plan; (iii) Pilot enhanced procedures for developing forest management plans that better match owners’ goals and promote diversification.
The project will be conducted in close collaboration with forestry experts at the forest owner association Södra and the Swedish Forest Agency. The project will be a part of a larger collaboration programme Co-Creator, “Co-creating advisory services and planning for diversified management in Swedish family forestry”, where PhD student will work collaboratively with scientists in forest policy, planning, environmental psychology, sociology, ecology and landscape architecture.
Qualifications:
The applicant should by the date of admission to PhD studies have a M.Sc. degree in forest science, or other disciplines, related to project’s topics. Knowledge of Swedish language is an important merit. Additional merits: (i) experience of scientific or practical work across disciplines constitutes an additional merit, (ii) practical experience of work with forest planning. Preferred personal characteristics include interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently.
The application must contain: A letter (in English) with expectations on the position and what you personally find interesting within the proposed research subject (max 1 page), CV and contact information to two reference persons.
Starting date: 1st of March 2023 or according to agreement.
Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-01-25.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English.
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
Contact person
Vilis Brukas, Professor +46 40-415198 firstname.lastname@slu.se
7- PhD position in Soil Nutrient Cycling focusing on organic matter dynamics:
Ref SLU.ua.2023.2.5.1-185: We conduct state-of-art research on the soil system in both national and international contexts. Our research focuses on fundamental soil properties and processes, as well as how soil functions are affected by changes in environmental conditions, including climate change. Through research, environmental analysis and education, we contribute knowledge about future sustainable land use and develop new solutions as a basis for decision-making in agriculture, forestry and the urban environment. The working environment at the department is international and we have around 100 employees.
Our research is carried out in seven subject groups with a focus on soil biology, soil nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, agricultural water management, soil and environmental physics, soil mechanics and soil tillage, and the biogeochemistry of forest soils. We are responsible for important research infrastructure in the form of soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, an X-ray scanner, long-term field experiments, a lysimeter facility, and the field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta. The Department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced level.
We are a part of the Soil, Water and Environment Center at SLU (MVM-center), which provides links to research on water systems, recycling and bioenergy. Our work is aligned to national environmental and climate goals as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are situated at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara.
Description:
In order to develop long-term sustainable cropping systems that will contribute to necessary climate change mitigation, NordForsk has funded a research project AgroMixNorth: Climate-smart resilience through diversified cropping systems – Identifying springboards in Nordic and Baltic. The aim of AgroMixNorth is to improve our understanding on the impact of crop diversification (both intra- and interspecific) on soil functioning and food quality, and to evaluate potential synergies and trade-offs arising from specific agricultural management systems.
Within the project, we are seeking for a PhD student to assess potential trade-offs between carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling in diversified and monoculture cropping systems. The PhD student will join a dynamic and internationally recognized team working at the biogeochemical interface of soil organic matter dynamics. We are looking for an inquisitive person who is keen to participate in a research program that aims to improve our fundamental understanding of how crop diversification affects carbon, energy and nutrient dynamics in soils and to improve management practices for the development of long-term sustainable cropping systems.
Qualifications:
The applicant should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in soil or environmental science, earth sciences, ecology, agronomy or similar. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in integrative work at the chemical and biophysical interface in soils.
Knowledge in C- and N cycling in soil systems and/or soil biology with experience working in the laboratory are desirable. Understanding of soil organic matter models, experiences in planning and executing experiments and scientific writing skills will count as merits.
The candidate should have a good ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
Independence, creativity, power of initiative and good interpersonal skills are considered valuable assets.
The application should contain:
- Application letter (max 2 pages) describing why you are interested in the position
- CV (max 2 pages)
- A copy of a MSc thesis at advanced level corresponding to at least 15 higher education credits or similar
- Contact information for two reference persons relevant to this position (e.g. MSc thesis supervisors)
Evaluations will be based on the application, interviews and references.
Starting date: April 2023 or as agreed
Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-02-28.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
Contact person
Anke Herrmann, Professor of Soil Nutrient Cycling anke.herrmann@slu.se