Post-doctoral fellow in modelling soil carbon cycling dynamics (PA2024/833)

Subject description

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, contributing to the release of CO2 into the atmosphere. The marked temporal variability of hydro-climatic conditions, where extended periods of drought are followed by rainfall events, drives pronounced fluctuations in these carbon emissions. Over the last 20 years, substantial progress has been achieved in comprehending this complex system. However, current models still utilize outdated descriptions of compounds and processes in soils and lack a mechanistic representation of microbial responses to cycles of drying and rewetting.

This project aims to unravel the impact of climate on soil organic carbon dynamics, focussing on the integration of recently uncovered insights into modelling regarding the increased frequency of droughts, more extreme drying and rewetting events, and elevated temperatures. A key task involves the integration of key microbial and carbon compartments from the models ECOSMMARTS and RothC into the hydro-biogeochemical model HYDRUS to provide a more accurate representation of microbial processes and their influence on emission/sequestration across soil vertical profiles.

The project exclusively focuses on modelling but is conducted in close collaboration and active two-way exchange with an empirical team. The candidate will serve as a link between these two research environments, represented by the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and the Department of Biology.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. The position will also promote career development, including the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The position also can also include student supervision and seeking external research funding. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within Hydrogeology, Engineering, Soil or Environmental Science, Biogeochemistry, or similar. The degree should have been completed no more than three years before the date of application (unless under special circumstances).

Additional requirements:

• Excellent programming skills, preferably in Matlab, Fortran or C/C++.
• Experience in mechanistic modelling of vadose zone and soil processes.
• Strong mathematical skills, including a solid understanding of ODEs and numerical methods.
• Experience in bridging the gap between models and empirical work.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to independently develop and conduct independent high-quality research.
• Publications in international peer-reviewed journals (leading role).

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022. 

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and must include ALL the following elements (compiled into a single PDF-file):

• cover letter with a general description of past research and future research interests (max 2 pages),
• résumé/CV, including a list of publications (max 5 pages),
• contact information of two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered (max 3).

Welcome to apply!