Postdoc: Land-use effects on pollinators in forested ecosystems

Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies
We are seeking an ambitious postdoc to join our research group and conduct research on the effects of land-use on pollinator communities in boreal forests. Anthropogenic disturbances such as forestry and mining impact ecosystems’ functioning in multiple ways, often negatively. Wild pollinators constitute an essential supplier of ecosystem services, while being globally threatened by human-induced changes in environment. This negative trend could possibly be mitigated through ecosystem restoration. This project focuses on two major land-use systems: mining and forest restoration, and their effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services related to pollinating insects.

The position is based at the department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, SLU in Umeå. SLU is internationally highly recognized university, ranking #1 in Forestry and #5 in Conservation sciences (2019). At our department, we offer a creative and stimulating environment where we perform basic and applied research, education and environmental monitoring in the areas of biodiversity restoration and conservation, fish biology, wildlife ecology and zoonosis. The department has a large proportion of international employees and well established national and international cooperation, which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange.

In the project, you would work as a part of restoration ecology group together with several senior researchers, other postdocs and PhD-students. We provide a strong and collaborative research environment working on solutions to mitigate the biodiversity loss in forests through empirical studies and large-scale field experiments (see https://www.slu.se/en/departments/wildlife-fish-environmental-studies/research/research-areas/restoration-ecology/). The postdoc will also collaborate with the Species Information Centre at SLU in Uppsala.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Duties:
This two-year postdoc project concentrates on the pollinating insects and associated plants in forests that are affected by human land use. In one part of the project you will be working with forests surrounding large mines in the northern parts of Sweden and investigate the effects of dust deposition resulting from mining waste storages. In the other part of the project, you will be working with data from a large-scale experiment where forests have been burned, gap-cut or left untouched. The postdoc project aims at generating knowledge on pollinator diversity in relation to these operations to further the knowledge on pollinator biology and pollination as an ecosystem service in anthropogenically affected forest landscapes.

Qualifications:
Applicants should hold a doctoral degree in ecology, forestry, environmental science or equivalent. Earlier research experience on forestry or other land-use forms in relation to biodiversity, ecosystems services or pollination biology is required. Excellent skills in written and oral communication in English are required. Understanding of boreal forest system is highly meriting. Good knowledge of statistical analyses and R (or equivalent programming) along with a strong publication record (in relation to the time since dissertation) is meriting. The applicant is supposed to be able to take own initiatives and work both independently and in a group. We highly appreciate personal characteristics contributing to a positive development of a research group. Since employment as a postdoctoral fellow constitutes a merit-based employment for junior researchers, priority will be given to those who have a doctoral degree that is not older than three years. However, the time span is not a requirement - we are looking for a highly motivated person who is keen to contribute to the research field.

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
According to agreement

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2023-08-16. Applications are to be submitted by completing the process that is accessed through the button below.

The application must be written in English and contain:

i) a statement of scientific interests, motivation and fit for applying to this specific position (max two pages);

ii) Curriculum Vitae including a complete publication list, separating peer-reviewed papers from other publications;

iii) contact information of at least two reference persons;

iv) copies of previous university degrees and transcripts of academic records.

If the PhD thesis has not been defended at the time of application, clearly indicate in your CV the date of the scheduled defense.

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.