Doctoral student in Ecology

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The Department of Biology and Environmental Science is part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. The research activities within this multidisciplinary department include the areas of aquatic ecology, cell and organism biology, evolutionary biology, microbiology, environmental science and environmental engineering as well as zoonotic ecology.

Subject area for the project: Emerging oak forest ecosystems in a changing climate

Admission subject: The studies carried out in the project are designed to lead to a PhD in Ecology

Placement city: Kalmar, Sweden

Job description 

The PhD project is about the ecology and evolution of emerging oak forest ecosystems in a changing climate. The project will be part of a larger research program funded by FORMAS (https://lnu.se/en/meet-linnaeus-university/current/news/2021/155-miljoner-till-forskning-om-den-svenska-ekens-roll-i-klimatomstallningen/). In this project new genetic, ecological and environmental data will be collected from stands of three different oak species in both natural forests and oak breeding forests in southern Sweden. The research will focus on how intra- and interspecific genetic variation influence the ability of oaks to cope with changing environmental conditions, and how it affects the biodiversity of organisms associated with the oak forest ecosystem. To this end, the project will utilize an array of traditional and innovative, cutting-edge techniques and advanced statistical methods to sample oak stands in ways that allow for quantification of growth rates, vitality, genetics/genomics, physiology, trophic food webs, environmental and climatic conditions.

The position will be for four years. According to the Higher Education Ordinance, a person appointed to a doctoral studentship should primarily devote himself/herself to his/her own studies. In addition, an appointee may work to a limited extent with education, research, artistic development, and administration. However, before a doctoral degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20% of a full-time post.

Requirements

A person fulfils the general entry requirements if he/she


• has been awarded a degree on second-cycle level.

• completed the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits, of which 60 credits on second-cycle level, or
• in another way, in Sweden or abroad, has acquired principally equivalent knowledge.



Specific requirements also include


• knowledge in the field of evolutionary ecology
• a high proficiency in written and spoken English
• good ability to solve problems
• have the ability to work independently as well as interact well in a research group.

Assessment grounds


• documented experience of molecular work/genetics/genomics (both laboratory experience and proficiency in bioinformatic analyses) would place the candidate at an advantage
• documented experience of fieldwork, statistical analysis and programming
• documented experience of working with the programs R and ArcGIS pro
• we attach great importance to personal suitability.

Contacts:

Head of department Per-Eric Betzholtz, per-eric.betzholtz@lnu.se     

Research leader Anders Forsman, anders.forsman@lnu.se                 

HR-partner Leif Eriksson, leif.eriksson@lnu.se                                 

 

To apply

The application (in English) should contain a CV (with telephone, e-mail, and contact details of two reference persons), documentation of exams and grades, and a description of motivation and experience relevant to the position.

All documents cited must be received by the university no later than 24.00 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day December 27, 2021. 

 


Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 (Local time in Sweden) on the closing day.