Post Doc

Mid Sweden University The Dept of Natural Science, Engineering and Mathematics offers Two year post-doc position in boreal forest dynamics and fire history, dnr Miun 2009/193 Project frame Previous research at Mid Sweden University has strongly focused on the role of dead wood for forest biodiversity.This includes studies on forest structure and dynamics as this relates to the input of dead wood in the forest ecosystem.To better understand the importance of forest fires in the boreal ecosystem, and related to the input of dead wood, a post-doc position is offered.Details are to be developed together with the successful applicant.However, below follows a set of potential topics to be considered.*In south boreal region, where we currently do most of our research, the landscape level pattern of forest fires remains to be explored.As we have several projects on species, mostly fungi, dependent on the substrates created by the fire, a better knowledge on the spatial and temporal dynamics of their habitats is needed.Based on remaining fire scarred trees in the landscape, the long term fire regimes should be possible to reconstruct.*The role of low frequent forest fires in spruce dominated forest types.We have over rather many years worked in larger forest reserves in northernmost Sweden, where fires are rare although still present with long return intervals.Both in mountain forests and wetter forest types below the mountain region we lack detailed understanding on the role of these low frequent fires in shaping the forest structure and the associated dead wood biota.*We foresee a growing research interest on a European level on forest fires and anticipate contributing to a larger EU-application (7th framework program) concerning forest fires in a North European perspective.If this would happen, support from a post-doc in the writing process would be most valuable.Qualifications The applicant should hold (or to be obtained during spring 2009) a PhD in biology, forest ecology, physical geography or related fields.Experience in forest history, forest dynamics, dendrochronology, and fire ecology are expected.Proven skills in writing, presenting and communicating research results are further requirements.The application should include a letter of interest (1 page), CV and a copy of the PhD-thesis.Letter of recommendation from at least two persons should preferably also be provided.Mid Sweden University, SE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden.