Post doc in investigating changes in soil microbial function in boreal forests after termination of nitrogen fertilization

The department includes about 100 people of which 11 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to progress the principles of forest ecosystem management. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Nitrogen addition to boreal forests stimulate tree growth but also leads to significant changes in fungal community composition and soil chemistry due to perturbation of the natural nitrogen limitation of these forests. The changes in tree growth and in fungal community composition are intimately entangled, and the cause-and-effect relationship difficult to discern. This project aims to provide knowledge on the function of the interplay between tree growth, fungal community composition and nitrogen availability. The successful candidate will combine studies of field experiments with artificially altered nitrogen availability with controlled laboratory experimentation, using a range of methods such as microbial community profiling, organic and inorganic nitrogen and carbon analyses. We seek a post-doctoral candidate who is enthusiastic to explore these topics.  

The main supervisors for the post-doctoral researcher will be Sandra Jämtgård and Torgny Näsholm.

We seek a post-doctoral researcher to monitor soil microbial and biochemical changes to understand the interplay between soil microbial function and forest growth. The duties will include field sampling, molecular analyses, bioinformatics analysis and measuring relevant soil carbon and nutrient pools and processes. Write manuscripts for publication.

We seek a motivated and enthusiastic individual with good communication skills, both oral and written.  The candidate must have a completed PhD degree in biology, soil science, microbiology or related subjects. We are looking for a candidate with good social skills, and who is capable of working well in team environments as well as independently.  The ideal candidate would already have some experience in soil microbiology, bioinformatics and molecular analyses. Additional experience with field and lab work, as well as good statistical knowledge, preferably in R, are also favorable. A valid driving license is required.  

As the post-doc position is part of the career-path for junior researchers, we are searching for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

Umeå

Temporary employment, 24 months

100%

September 1 2022

We welcome your application no later than June 27 2022, use the button below.

The application should contain the following written in English: 1) a cover letter describing yourself, and your match to the above-mentioned project; (maximum 1 A4 page) 2) a CV describing your education, publications, and relevant work experience; and 3) names and contact information for at least three references. 4) copy of your PhD certificate.

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

Contact person

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=6872&rmlang=UK