Postdoc in fungus-soil-plant interactions

A 2½ year postdoctoral fellowship is available from August 15, 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter in the Terrestrial Ecology Section within the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen.

The position is available in a project assessing the role of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi in soil carbon storage in the Arctic. In this project, we conduct field and laboratory analyses in order to get a better understanding of the role of fungi in organic matter turnover and carbon sequestration in arctic ecosystems. The host research group on  Plant Physiological Ecology & Biogeochemistry is led by Professor Anders Michelsen and consists of two other research staff members plus a number of visiting scientists and students. The project includes extended study visits at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, in collaboration with Associate Senior Lecturer Karina Clemmensen .  

Project overview

The 2.5 yr postdoc project is aimed at studies of plant and fungal community interactions in Arctic tundra ecosystems, and their potential effects on climate feedbacks.

Plant associated ecto- and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi differ widely in their ability to release enzymesto access organic nutrient pools, and some fungi may rather cause organic matter build-up from dead mycelium. Hence, arctic soil carbon stocks in a warmer future may depend uponfungal communities, litter quality and expanding shrub microbial associates. The mechanisms and specific roles of saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi in organic matter build-up and decay in tundra will be explored in arctic ecosystems with increasing shrub dominance and cascading effects belowground. The project aims at 1) investigating fungal communities and linked enzymatic profiles and C turnover in a successional gradient with abrupt changes over short distance (a fungal fairy ring), 2) investigating the impacts of shrub litter types on fungal communities and soil C storage in a decade-long litter addition experiment, and 3) assessing soil, fungal and plant community changes after experimentally doubling summer precipitation for 25 years.

The project will combine DNA-based community profiling with biochemical assays and includes mechanistic studies of mycorrhizal-vs-saprotrophic fungal guild interactions along fairy ring chronosequences and studies of shifting balances between fungal guilds after manipulated vegetation shifts and litter inputs. The studies also include biogeochemical analyses including assessment of soil nutrient availability, microbial biomass and soil carbon stocks, with analyses of carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition as additional tools.  The position will be placed at University of Copenhagen (w/ Anders Michelsen), with extended study visits at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala (w/ Karina Clemmensen).

The project relies on established long-term field experiments in Zackenberg, Greenland, and Abisko, Northern Sweden and long-term observations along fairy ring chronosequences.

Main tasks and responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing independent research within the scientific area of the project. This includes data and sample collection in field experiments, processing and interpretation as well as writing scientific publications. The candidate should be willing to join for field expeditions in remote locations, and have extended stays at Uppsala, where a large part of the molecular microbial analytical work will take place.

Qualifications

We are looking for an ambitious, creative, and highly motivated candidate with a PhD in biology, microbiology, biogeochemistry, or a related field. Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement, as well as excellent writing skills demonstrated by the publication record. A successful candidate also has some experience with processes involving molecular microbial techniques, preferably with analyses of fungi in ecosystems. Although the candidate must be able to work independently, good interpersonal skills are also needed.

Procedures and shortlisting

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether an expert committee will assess their application. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. The Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee, will make the final selection of the successful candidate.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Place of employment and principal place of work

University of Copenhagen, Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Section, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The position is from August 15, 2022, or as soon as possible thereafter. Employment period is 2½ years.

Further information can be obtained from Prof. Anders Michelsen (e-mail: [email protected] ).

How to apply

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please Include:

• A cover letter including statement of research interests and reasons for applying to this position (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• Copy of the PhD diploma or documentation for planned PhD defense
• Separate reprints of 3 particularly relevant papers
• Max. 2 reference letters

Deadline for application is June 15, 2021 at 23:59 GMT +1. Applications received after the deadline, not using the online application form, or not including the required documents will not be considered.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.