PhD student position in Ecology

PhD student position in Ecology Influence of land on marine ecosystem drivers and microbial communities Announced by the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) (www.emg.umu.se) ECOCHANGE is a new governmental strategic marine research program at Umeå University (UmU) in collaboration with the Linnaeus University in Kalmar.Ecosystem dynamics in the Baltic Sea is studied in a climate change perspective.Effects of climate related changes on lower and higher trophic levels are investigated in a north-south gradient in the Baltic Sea, as well as effects on bioavailiability of pollutants and their potential to change food web function.It is an interdisciplinary project spanning from ecology and chemistry to environmental sciences.Project description The aim of the project is to understand how variation in river run-off influences marine ecosystem drivers, e.g.bio-optics and carbon nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, and microbial communities and productivity.Within the project the bioavailability of dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus will also be studied.The project will involve both comparative studies as well as experimental studies along a north-south gradient in the Baltic Sea to elucidate the effect of river inflow on phytoplankton and bacterial productivity and community compositions.Application The application should include a letter of intent, certified curriculum vita that includes information on previous education, ev.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 for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 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 in ecology is required.It is qualifying to have knowledge in ecological theory and training in microbial ecology and chemistry.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) and the PhD-student will get a formal position at the start of the project (Sw: "doktorandanställning").Up to 10 % as teaching assistant may be included in the position (then the position will be extended accordingly).For more information, contact Prof.We look forward to receiving your application!