Postdoctor, Soil and environmental physics

Department of Soil and Environment

We conduct state-of-art research on the soil system in both national and international contexts. Our research focuses on fundamental soil properties and processes, as well as how soil functions are affected by changes in environmental conditions, including climate change. Through research, environmental analysis and education, we contribute knowledge about future sustainable land use and develop new solutions as a basis for decision-making in agriculture, forestry and the urban environment. The working environment at the department is international and we have around 100 employees.

Our research is carried out in seven subject groups with a focus on soil biology, soil nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, agricultural water management, soil and environmental physics, soil mechanics and soil tillage, and the biogeochemistry of forest soils. We are responsible for important research infrastructure in the form of soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, an X-ray scanner, long-term field experiments, a lysimeter facility, and the field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta. The Department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced level.

We are a part of the Soil, Water and Environment Center at SLU (MVM-center), which provides links to research on water systems, recycling and bioenergy. Our work is aligned to national environmental and climate goals as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are situated at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara.

Duties:
A well-developed soil structure (i.e. the spatial arrangement of solids and pores) is critical for sustainable crop production. Soil structure is largely influenced by aggregation induced by the microbial decomposition of organic matter. In turn, soil structure affects soil organic matter turnover because pore networks determine microbial access to SOM and the oxygen supply to soil microbes. The focus of this project is on these interactions.

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct research within the project “The two-way interactions between soil organic carbon and soil structure” which focuses on the physical protection of soil organic matter and the process of soil aggregation. Duties include field sampling, laboratory work, processing and analysis of X-ray tomography images and writing scientific articles. There will also be possibilities to contribute to the teaching at the department.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in soil science. A PhD in soil science, environmental sciences (or similar) is required for this position. The applicant should have the ability to work both independently and in a team, to take initiatives and have good communication skills. The working language is English and good skills in English (both written and oral) are required. Previous experience with X-ray tomography and image processing and analysis is an advantage. Previous experience with laboratory work is required.

Since a postdoctoral appointment is a career-developing position for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates who obtained a doctoral degree within the last three years.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements will be made with reference to the written application including cover letter, curriculum vitae, references from persons familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and interviews.

Place of work:
Uppsala

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months with possible extension.

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
2023-03-01 or as soon as possible, according to agreement.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-11-27, use the button below.

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/

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

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.

www.slu.se