Research Assistant in Arctic plant-soil interactions (temporary employment)

Ref. No. SU FV-3960-22

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: 12 November 2022.

The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 190 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile.

Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and metals in soils, fresh water bodies, and the ocean. The unit has a strong and long-standing research focus on the impact of global warming on Arctic environments with the overarching goal to improve the systems understanding and future projections of biogeochemical cycles in this system.

The Biogeochemistry Unit is now seeking a research assistant to complement our team, and contribute to preparing field and experimental work on plant-soil interactions in the Arctic. The position is limited to maximum six months and will start in January 2023.

Main responsibilities
Climate warming is rapidly changing Arctic environments. Consequences include permafrost thaw, increased microbial degradation of soil organic matter to CO2 and other greenhouse gases, but also wide-spread stimulation of plant primary production and CO2 uptake, deeper plant rooting and shifts in vegetation distribution. In addition, plants can accelerate decomposition of soil organic matter decomposition near their roots to CO2 (“rhizosphere priming effect”), and this effect might substantially enhance Arctic CO2 emissions (Keuper & Wild et al. 2020 Nature Geoscience).

The advertized position is part of the ERC Starting Grant project PRIMETIME that aims to quantify total plant impacts on CO2 emissions from a warming Arctic, using a combination of experimental and modeling approaches. The research assistant will contribute to preparing field and laboratory experiments on plant-soil interactions.

Qualification requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish master degree or an equivalent degree from another country. We are looking for a highly motivated person with experience with Arctic soils, preferably including the rhizosphere, and a strong interest in plant-soil-microbial interactions and how they can be studied experimentally.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research and experimental skills. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express themselves verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity in scientific thinking, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. The evaluation will be based on the quality and ambition of previous work, scientific publications, and a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest. A background in e.g. Environmental Sciences, Biology, or Geosciences would be highly suitable. Collaborative skills and proficiency in English are required.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a maximum of six months, with a starting date in January 2023.  Salaries at Stockholm University are determined individually; therefore, please indicate your requested salary. 

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact 
Further information about the position can be obtained from Ass. Prof. Dr. Birgit Wild, birgit.wild@aces.su.se .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se , and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Only include the cover letter and CV in your application. Bring copies of grades and certificates if you are called to an interview.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=19307&rmlang=UK