PhD student in Plant and Ecosystem Ecology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Forest Ecology and Management in Umeå 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Plant and Ecosystem Ecology The ecological significance of within-species leaf trait variability: a test using an island area gradient THE ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF WITHIN-SPECIES LEAF TRAIT VARIABILITY: A TEST USING AN ISLAND AREA GRADIENT (Supervisors: Prof.David Wardle, Prof.Michael Gundale).Plant leaf characteristics or traits are important determinants of ecological processes, and while much work has focused on the ecological importance of trait differences among species, little is known about the importance of trait variability within species.This PhD research project will use a well characterized system of 30 contrasting forested lake islands in the boreal region of N Sweden to study the significance of within-species leaf trait variability relative to that across species, through a mixture of empirical and experimental field-based approaches.As such, this work will enhance our understanding about whether within-species trait variability can contribute to explaining ecological processes in a manner that cannot be achieved by focusing on only across-species trait variation.This project would be ideal for students who have a primary interest in plant or boreal forest ecology.Qualifications Requirements include a M.Sc.(or comparable degree) in Ecology or a related discipline, with an emphasis on plants and/or soils.Having a degree (minimum 180 ECTS) with similar emphasis is also acceptable.Applications from both Sweden and elsewhere in the world are welcome. Forms for funding or employment Employment as PhD student 4 years 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 180 Higher education 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 Use this APPLICATION FORM Applications, marked with ref no 12/10, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.