Postdoctoral position in tree belowground site occupancy in boreal forests

Department of Forest Ecology and Management  
Do you want to be part of the future that shapes sustainable use forests? We are recruiting a three year post doc to focus on tree belowground site occupancy in boreal forests. This post doc is part of the research program Future Silviculture, in the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (https://www.slu.se/en/Collaborative-Centres-and-Projects/wiforce/about-us/) and will bridge the gap between fundamental and applied science in forest management. You will be part of this research program, focused on research linking how trees, soil, and landscapes function to research on sustainable use of forests, with the aim to develop future forest management practices.

A key factor in the transition to continuous-cover forestry is tree regeneration. One of the major knowledge gaps in boreal forests, related to tree regeneration and hence of key importance to forestry, is belowground site occupancy and competition for water and nitrogen. Traditionally, site occupancy has been considered in terms of aboveground competition for light but emergence of methods has shifted this focus to also include belowground root systems. This project will fill this knowledge gap by investigating below ground site occupancy in moisture and fertility gradients. The project is led by Dr. Sandra Jämtgård with support from a co-supervisory team that includes experts in hydrology, tree physiology, vegetation ecology and soil science.

About the position
We seek a post doc to focus on investigating tree root spatial distribution and patterns in water and nitrogen uptake along moisture and fertility gradients in boreal forests in northern Sweden. The post doc will work with stable isotopes (e.g. 15N, 2H) in forests in area at the Svartberget field station. The project will measure differences in belowground site occupancy by tracing the fate of stable isotopes in trees and in the soil. Thus, the post doc is expected to plan and carry out field work, process plant and soil samples for chemical analysis and analyse data into publishable manuscripts.  

Your profile
The qualifications required for this position is:


• A PhD in a discipline such as Biology, Plant physiology, Soil Science, Ecology, Forestry, or any relevant area of study resulting in relevant skills for the post poc project area.
• Experience in stable isotopes, chemical analysis, field work and data analysis, as evidenced through relevant first-authored publications.
• Very good command of the English language is also required, both written and spoken. 

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us  
The post doc will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå and is funded for three years. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:
Umeå

Form of employment:  
Temporary employment 36 months

Scope:
100% 

Start date:
During spring 2025, according to agreement

Application:
Please submit your application before deadline February 11 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Your application should be written in English, and contain: (1) A cover letter summarizing your research accomplishments and how you could contribute to the research project, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) Publication list, (4) Transcripts of relevant degree certificates and publications, and (5) Contact details of 2-3 references.

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.