Post-doc position

Department of Forest Ecology and Management
The department includes 100 people of which about 10 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to progress the principles of forest ecosystem management. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Nitrogen fixation is a fundamental ecosystem process that converts atmospheric N2 into a biologically available form. Many earth system models now include nitrogen fixation as a process that can influence nutrient limitation and carbon exchange; however, empirical measures of nitrogen fixation often differ from model estimates, especially in response to some key global change factors. This suggests that improved empirical estimates of N2-fixation are needed, especially in response to key global change factors, such as eCO2 and warming, such that earth system models can be fine-tuned for better predictive power. I seek a two-year post doc to investigate the responsiveness of biological N2-fixation by boreal feathermosses to a variety of global change factors.

The main supervisor for the post-doctoral researcher will be Michael Gundale (SLU, Umeå), and Co-supervisor Marie-Charlotte Nilsson. Work will be focused in both Sweden and the USA.

Duties:
We seek a post-doctoral researcher to perform measurements of biological N2-fixation, as well as other types of supporting measurements, such as soil and plant chemistry, and plant community composition. Novel measurements and experiments related to feather-mosses and N2-fixation will be performed.

Qualifications:
We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with good oral and written communication skills. I also seek a candidate with good social skills, who can work well in a team environment.The applicant should already have experience performing N2-fixation analysis, including use of the ARA and 15N methods. The applicant should also have experience using gas-chromotagraphy, isotope labelling techniques, and performing plant community composition experiments. Knowledge and research in both forestry and ecology is also highly desirable.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is a maximum of three years at the end of the application period.  

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
January 1 2022

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2021-10-29, use the button below.

Specific documents attached: The application should contain the following written in English: 1) a cover letter describing yourself and your match to the above mentioned project; 2) a CV describing your education, publications and relevant work experience, and 3) names and contact information for at least three references; 4) PhD diploma.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.