PhD student in Soil Science

Department of Soil and Environment in Uppsala 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Soil Science Plant nutrient management in on-farm soil fertility experiments in Ethiopia Low soil fertility is one of the main factors restricting agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa.Insufficient addition of plant nutrients to the soil results in a decline in soil fertility over time.In this project the PhD candidate will study how plant nutrient management affects short- and long-term soil fertility in on-farm agricultural experiments in the highlands of Ethiopia.The aim of this research is to evaluate how soil fertility management practices like compost addition and increased cultivation of N fixing legumes affect nutrient use efficiency and carbon sequestration.On the basis of the results from these experiments the PhD candidate will adapt a process-oriented model that can describe C and N turnover in these agro-ecosystems.The work is carried out using participatory methods, where the farmers are closely involved in the research process.It will also involve an evaluation of how the soil fertility management affects the household in terms of workload, house-hold economy, crop yield and food security.The research is done in close collaboration with researchers from other disciplines.The PhD candidate is expected to spend a considerable amount of time in Ethiopia doing fieldwork. Qualifications The applicant should have an MSc in Soil Science or a related subject.Good communication skills in oral and written English are essential.Work experience from developing countries is a merit.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/en/education/postgraduate-studies/ Use this APPLICATION FORM http://epi-resurs.slu.se/Forskarutbildningsplatser/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc Further information: Associate Prof. Applications, marked with ref no Dnr SLU ID ua 2244/2010, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.