Postdoc scholarship “Conservation value of skeleton forests”

We seek a post doc for a project about the conservation values of ‘skeleton forests’. Skeleton forests consist of trees that spruce bark beetles have killed and left. The post doc will become a part of a strong international research environment for both basic and applied research questions in the field of forest conservation biology. Please see: (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/ekologi/forskning2/vetenskapliga-amnen/naturvardsbiologi/).

At the Department of Ecology in Uppsala, we conduct research for sustainable forest and agricultural production and efficient biological conservation. We study the influence of land use and climate on animals, plants, soils nutrient status, and greenhouse gas balances. Solutions are sought that will mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, benefit biological diversity and ecosystem services, and control pests in forest and agricultural landscapes as well as in urban areas. Read more about our department at https://www.slu.se/institutioner/ekologi/.

Working tasks:
This project will evaluate the role of bark beetles as ecosystem engineers, i.e. their capacity to create habitats for other organisms. Recently, outbreaks of the spruce bark beetle have created large amounts of dead wood. In Sweden, still a lot of this dead wood remains in so called ‘skeleton forests’, i. e. in groups of spruce trees that spruce bark beetles have killed and left. In Swedish forests there is a deficiency or dead wood, but we do not know to what extend such skeleton can mitigate this defiency and promote biodiversity. The aim of this project is to answer the following questions:

(i) Which dead wood dependent beetles live in skeleton forest and is the fauna different from high stumps created at clearfelling?

(ii) Does it matter whether the skeleton forests are situated in nature reserves, in landscape with high conservation values, or are there other stand and landscape characteristics associated with a higher species richness in skeleton forests?

(iii) How is the number of species and individuals of beetles in many small skeleton forests in comparison to a few large?

In this project, the post doc answers these questions together with four senior researchers by

(i) conducting field studies of wood-dependent beetles in southern Sweden together with a field assistant

(ii) analyse collected data statistically

(iii) write scientific articles.

Qualifications:
The applicant should have obtained a Ph D in ecology (or in a similar relevant subject) during the last six years. Previous work in conservation biology or community ecology are meriting, as are experience of field studies of insects, forests, GIS, and statistical modelling. A strong publication record (in relation to the time since dissertation) is a merit. Strong communication skills in English (both written and oral) are required. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. Field work will take place in multiple locations in Sweden, and a driving license (B) is therefore required.

The application should include:

(i) a summary of research experience, expectations on this project, and future plans (max 1 page)

(2) CV

(3) two reference persons.

Location:
Uppsala.

Employment:
The post doc gets a 2-year stipend of totally 600 000 SEK from Carl Tryggers Foundation.

Extent:
100%.

Access:
January 1st 2024. Please indicate possible starting dates in the application.

Application:
Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2023-07-30.

Fackliga kontaktpersoner:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/



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.