PhD in Ecology or Physical Geography with focus on remote sensing of Arctic terrestrial ecosystems

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) at Umeå University invites applicants for a PhD position in ecology or physical geography, with a focus on Arctic terrestrial ecosystems. The position is expected to start 1st of August, 2022 or according to agreement. Application deadline is June 8, 2022.

Project description
Arctic ecosystems are changing, both in response to a changing climate and changes in land use. To understand how these factors separately or together cause these changes is detrimental for developing sustainable development and conservation in these environments in the future. Hyperspectral sensors can identify vegetation changes caused by a warming climate, human impact through the Holocene and archeological remains. You will in this project develop better methods to identifying these objects using hyperspectral data from hand-held sensors, drones and satellites. These methods will be used by researchers from various disciplines such as archeologists, ecologists and geoscientists. As a PhD student, you will be a part of an interdisciplinary environment and be linked to both the department of Ecology and Environmental Science and the Arctic Research School focusing on sustainable development. Here, you can read more about the Arctic research school (https://www.umu.se/en/feature/head-of-the-arctic-research-school/)

The doctoral candidate will use remote sensing tools (drones and satellites) to investigate how spectral variations in primary the NIR spectra to identify climate- and humane impact on the ecosystem (vegetation and sediment/soil).

The project is a collaboration between ecologists, geoscientists, and archeologists at Umeå University. The employment is financed by the Arctic Research School at Arcum. Dr. Matthias Siewert, Dr. Johan Linderholm and professor Johan Olofsson will serve as supervisors.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, have an equivalent education from abroad (for example a Master’s degree), or have equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level within the subjects of ecology or physical geography the applicant is required to have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to ecology or physical geography comprising at least 120 credits. At least one course at second-cycle level in a subject that is central to the doctoral student's planned specialization shall have been completed, as well an independent piece of work (degree project) with relevant specialization of at least 15 credits.

The recruitment procedure for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 5 and 7). The requirements should be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies.

We are looking for a person with experience of fieldwork and interest in remote sensing of terrestrial ecosystems with satellites and drones. The candidate should have good knowledge of techniques used in remote sensing of natural ecosystems and documented experience of fieldwork. The candidate should have a good knowledge of scientific communication in English, and being creative, rich of initiatives and have a strong ability to communicate and collaborate. Knowledge of Arctic terrestrial ecosystems, studies of ecological processes with remote sensing, experience to fly a drone (UAV) and driver’s license for cars is meriting.

The evaluation will be based on the application, referee judgments and interviews.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also relevant course-work. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

How to apply
You apply through our recruitment system on June 8, 2022 at the latest. The application, written in English or Swedish, should include:

• A short letter (max. 2 pages) description of why you are interested in and suitable for the position
• A short description (max. 500 words) of how you would develop the research project
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of degrees and certificates from higher education
• List of completed university courses and the grades.
• Copy of degree thesis and possibly other scientific publications
• Names and contact information of 2-3 reference persons

The documents should be in MS Word or PDF-format.

Contact
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact professor Johan Olofsson, ([email protected]), Johan Linderholm ([email protected]) or Matthias Siewert ([email protected]).

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) is both a research and teaching department situated within the Umeå University campus. The department has approximately 150 staff members, of which 24 are PhD students. For more information, visit https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/about-the-department/.