PhD student in Soil science/ecology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Forest Ecology and Management in Umeå 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Soil science/ecology Nitrogen turnover in boreal forest soils The availability of nitrogen limits plant production and hence carbon sequestration in boreal and temperate forests, except those subject to high rates of nitrogen deposition.The availability of nitrogen is under strong microbial control, and there are profound interactions with the cycle of carbon through the ecosystem.Present models of nitrogen turnover do not encompass an understanding of the role of the microbial community composition or of the physiologies of the organisms involved.The candidate for this position is expected to fulfil the requirements for a PhD within 4 years.However, there will be a 6 month preparatory, preliminary employment period, during which the coming work will be planned in detail.The candidate will study nitrogen dynamics in soils, and how it is affected by the composition of the microbial community and the physiologies of the organisms involved.Stable isotope methods will be used.The work will be conducted in boreal forest of northern Sweden in collaboration with an international team. Qualifications: Candidates for this position should have a B.Sc.or preferably M.Sc.in Soil Science or Microbiology and writing skills in English.Knowledge of stable isotope methods, mathematical modelling, laboratory work and work in boreal forests is desirable.Form for funding or employment: PhD student (doktorand).The position is for up to four years if progress is made.Evaluation of progress is made annually.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 Use this APPLICATION FORM http://www.slu.se/UserFiles/File/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc Further information: Prof.Peter Högberg. Applications, marked with ref no 2437, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.