PhD position in Ecology

PhD position in Ecology Indirect effects of herbivores on arctic plant communities via nutrient availability and plant nutrient uptake Project description Herbivores are known to have strong effects on tundra ecosystems.Herbivores influence biomass, primary production, composition and diversity of these plant communities as well as their response to climate change.Earlier studies show that the indirect effects via nutrient cycling might be even more important than direct effects via consumption in northern ecosystems.Herbivores may influence the nutrient availability via their feces, via influencing soil processes and via influencing the nutrient uptake by plants.The effect of herbivores for plant nutrition will be tested within this PhD project, by combining measurements within ongoing long term studies with common garden experiments.Many of the studies will focus on the effect of reindeer, but also effects of voles and lemmings will be studied.The position will be based in Umeå, but at least part of the field work will be carried out in Abisko.Assoc.Prof.Johan Olofsson, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University will be main supervisor in the project.Ass.Prof.Application The application should include a letter of intent, certified curriculum vitae that includes information on previous education, copies of the master's thesis, publications and other documents supporting your competence and suitability for the position, and address and phone number to two reference persons.The application may be written in English or Swedish.Requirements The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chapters 5 and 7).Prerequisites include either i) 240 ECTS credits (Swe.högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (Swe.poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007 or equivalent competence.Education should include 120 ECTS credits (2 year) biological subjects, 15 ECTS credits ecology or corresponding subject, and a 30 ECTS credits independent project in ecology or a similar relevant field.It is qualifying to have good knowledge in ecological theory and training in microbial ecology and molecular biology/genetics.The successful applicant should have good ability to write and speak in English, creativity, power of initiative, independence and ability to collaborate.Evaluations will be based on results on University courses, quality of master's thesis, references, interviews and the letter of intent.A PhD education is 4 years (48 months).Up to 10 % as teaching assistant may be included in the position (then the position will be extended accordingly).