Postdoc in modelling plant-environment and soil-plant interactions

To sustainably achieve food security in the long term, we need to identify management solutions that minimize the negative environmental and climate impacts, and are at the same time robust to climate change. Nevertheless, any management solution has inherent tradeoffs, which need to be assessed for informed decisions. For example, there is an emerging interest in perennial grain crops for their ability to provide food as well as many ecosystem services, but whether they can deliver these services more effectively than annual crops depends on crop traits and climatic and soil conditions. We invite applications for a postdoctoral researcher to explore plant-environment and soil-plant interactions, via mathematical models based on ecological and physiological mechanisms, in combination with available data.

The postdoc will be associated with the project “Examining the prospects of perennial grain crops for sustainable food production” – a collaboration between the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and The Land Institute and the University of Kansas in the USA.

The position is based at the Department of Crop Production Ecology, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. The research conducted within the department generally aims at improving crop and forest productivity and sustainability, considering the interactions with the surrounding environment. The department is part of the Ecology Center, which offers a stimulating research environment, involving scientists with very diverse and complementary expertise, aiming at sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. Furthermore, the location in Uppsala allows opportunities for easy collaborations with researchers at Uppsala University, Stockholm University, and KTH.

The postdoctoral researcher will develop, evaluate, and apply mechanistic models and stochastic methods for the assessment of the interactions between plants, soils and the environment in managed ecosystems. While there is some flexibility in the research tasks and approaches, the work will include development of novel process-based mathematical models, use of existing ones, and collation and analyses of ecophysiological, environmental and climatic data. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to take active part to develop the project and to write and publish science in collaboration with the research team. The successful candidate will enter world leading, international research teams working with both crops and forest systems, with an outstanding publication record and extensive empirical and theoretical expertise. This is a great opportunity to further your modelling skills, develop your research network, and gain experience in proposal writing.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are actively pursuing an academic career, with an interest in the development and use of process-based models to describe plant-environment interactions and/or soil-plant interactions. Applicants are expected to hold a PhD degree, or have successfully defended their PhD thesis by the time the post commences, in plant biology, ecology, hydrology, earth and environmental sciences, soil sciences, agronomy, applied mathematics or physics, or related fields. Previous experience in model development (i.e., beyond the use of existing models) coupling plants, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, and environmental conditions, as well as strong quantitative and programming skills (in MatLab, R, Python, C, Mathematica, Fortran, or other programming languages for data analysis and model implementation) are required.

The applicants shall also have a demonstrated ability to independently initiate, conduct, and complete research projects; and to generate and publish the findings in international peer-reviewed journals. Excellent communication skills in English (both written and oral) are required. Good interpersonal skills, creativity, teamwork, strong work ethic and cultural sensitivity are valued in the recruitment process.

Uppsala, Sweden

Temporary employment, 24 months, with possibility of extension

100%

By agreement, preferably by February 2023.

We welcome your application no later than September 15th, 2022. Applications are to be submitted by completing the process that is accessed through the button below. Applications received via email will not be considered.

The application must be written in English and contain:

i) a statement of scientific interests, motivation and fit for applying to this specific position (max 8000 characters including spaces);

ii) Curriculum Vitae including a complete publication list, separating peer-reviewed papers from other publications;

iii) contact information of at least two reference persons;

iv) copies of previous university degrees and transcripts of academic records.

If the PhD thesis has not been defended at the time of application, clearly indicate in your CV the date of the scheduled defense.

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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/

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

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