PhD student in Forest Vegetation Ecology

Forest Ecology and Management in Umeå 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Forest Vegetation Ecology Role of biodiversity of nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria in feather mosses on nitrogen input to boreal forest ecosystems This project investigates how the community composition and biodiversity of cyanobacteria that live within the leaves of feather mosses influences nitrogen fixation and nitrogen input to boreal forest ecosystems. Previous work from our research group has shown that these cyanobacteria can fix large amounts of atmospheric nitrogen and convert this nitrogen to plant available forms. However, while many species of cyanobacteria live within feather moss leaves, almost nothing is known about what regulates their community structure and diversity, or the consequences of this for nitrogen input. This studentship will involve characterizing cyanobacterial communities and their nitrogen fixing ability in field conditions, and performing laboratory experiments in which the effects of cyanobacterial diversity and composition on nitrogen fixation will be investigated. Because cyanobacterial communities will be characterized by molecular approaches, this studentship will focus on the interface between community ecology and molecular ecology. This studentship would be ideal for students that have a particular interest in linking molecular and ecological approaches for better understanding ecological processes. The position will be based at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management in Umeå, but a large proportion of the laboratory work will be conducted at the Department of Botany at Stockholm University. Qualifications: Requirements for this position are an MSc or comparable degree in ecology, and some background in molecular approaches would be beneficial although not essential. Having a degree (minimum 180 ECTS) with similar emphasis is also acceptable. Applications from both Sweden and elsewhere in the world are welcome. Form for funding or employment: The employment as a PhD student is for 4 years of postgraduate studies. SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level. Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e. had completed a programme of higher education for at least 120 credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015." Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Read more about the PhD education in the Handbook for postgraduate students Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/PhD For a complete advt. personal.slu.se/job Use this APPLICATION FORM http://www.slu.se/?id=1123&Utbildningsplatser_id=64