Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.
The Department of Ecology and Genetics is an international environment with staff and students from all over the world. Our research spans from evolutionary ecology and genetics to studies of ecosystems, A PhD student position in peatland ecology is available at the Department of Ecology and Genetics, Division of Plant Ecology and Evolution.
Project description
Restoration of drained wetlands is a global goal because of its many benefits for society, among them enhanced biodiversity, carbon sequestration and water security. However, there is limited knowledge on how restoration affects the biogeochemical functioning of peatlands under varying spatiotemporal conditions.
We are looking for a PhD student who will examine the effects of peatland rewetting and restoration on water quality (for example, the quantity and quality of dissolved organic matter and nutrients). This will be done by investigating temporal and spatial variation in water quality after rewetting compared to natural and drained peatlands across Sweden. The objective is to link plant functional composition and hydrological factors to water quality.
The PhD candidate will also work on approaches to scale up such links across peatlands, so they may be utilized for environmental monitoring with remote sensing tools. As a result, the study crosses numerous disciplines and will involve field sampling, vegetation surveys, lab analysis, and modeling. The project has significant societal importance, and will include collaborating with stakeholders and engaging in certain outreach initiatives. The PhD candidate will be working closely with hydrologists and remote sensing researchers and be part of an international team.
Duties
PhD student duties include field, laboratory, and modeling-based research, as well as statistical analyses and writing scientific articles. The student will be working in a team and is expected to contribute to the overall progress of the project. The PhD training comprises four years of full-time research including courses and literature studies. The position will also include teaching, which prolongs the PhD.
Qualifications required
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must
- hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in environmental sciences, limnology, plant ecology, geoscience, environmental engineering or other relevant subjects at the time of employment, or
- have completed at least 240 credits in higher education with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
- have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.
- A valid EU class B driver’s license is required. Candidates must demonstrate a very high level of proficiency in both spoken and written English.
Qualifications desired
Theoretical knowledge of wetland biogeochemistry and a strong interest in ecosystem restoration. Prior experience of field sampling, analysing water chemistry, and knowledge of a programming language (e.g., R) and GIS is highly advantageous. Basic plant identification skills are a merit. Personal qualities such as analytical and collaborative skills, creativity, initiative and independence will also be considered in the ranking of candidates.
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.
Application
The application should be written in English and include:
- a letter of intent describing yourself, your research interests and motivation of why you want to do a PhD, and why you are suitable for the position (max 1 page),
- your CV,
- a short description of your education,
- a copy of your master degree, your course grades and a copy of your master thesis,
- the names and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.).
About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100%. Starting date 2023-09-01 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.
For further information about the position please contact: Researcher Gustaf Granath, gustaf.granath@ebc.uu.se, +46 (0) 70 20 32 176. Please submit your application by 17 April 2023, UFV-PA 2023/600.