PhD position in ecology, with focus on aquatic microbial ecology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37 000 students and about 4 700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. And the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is what it is all about. But also about delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. This is simply where the future is built.

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in ecology, focused on the microbial ecology of oxygen-deficient coastal systems. The candidate will also be connected to the Umeå Marine Sciences Centre. You are expected to begin your position in July 2023 (although start date can be flexible). Application deadline is 31 March 2023.

Project description
The deoxygenation of coastal systems and estuaries has strong implications for ecosystem function by reducing suitable zones for fish nurseries and causing shifts in global carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes. While the oxygen inventory of the global ocean has declined by 2.7 % since 1960, an additional decline of up to 7 % has been projected to the end of 21st century. The aim of this project is to study the consequences of coastal deoxygenation on microbial processes and related ecosystem services. We will study how deoxygenation impacts the contribution of coastal systems to biogeochemical cycles, with a focus on anaerobic respiration and anaerobic photosynthesis including how this enhances contamination of food webs by neurotoxic methylmercury via mercury methylation.

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

The candidate should have completed courses within a first-cycle subject relevant to ecology comprising at least 120 ECTS 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 ECTS credits.

The candidate should have a very good command in written and spoken English, be creative and able to take own initiative. The candidate is independent, has social competence and collaborative ability. It is expected that the candidate develop independence and build up network contacts during the education.

We are looking for a candidate with a relevant academic background in aquatic microbial ecology or corresponding education. It will be meriting to have good knowledge of molecular ecology (e.g., DNA extractions, qPCR, metabarcoding and/or metagenomics, metatranscriptomics), bioinformatics and data analysis.

Application
The application should be submitted via our e-recruitment system at the latest 31 March, 2023.

The application should include:

• Letter where the applicant describes her/himself in relation to the above described requirements, a motivation to why the applicant is interested in the position and a short description of the candidate´s research interests and ideas
• CV with academic qualifications.
• Publication list.
• Electronic copy of the MSc-thesis.
• Scientific articles, grade certificates or other documentation which supports the applicant´s qualification for the position.
• Contact information to three reference persons.

The evaluation will be based on the applicant´s letter, references, interview and the quality of the master thesis and other publications. The requirements must be fulfilled at the time of approval to the PhD position and may not need to be fulfilled at the time of the application.

Information
Dr Eric Capo, Umeå University, will be the main supervisor and Professors Nick Kamenos and Agneta Andersson, assistant supervisors. For more information contact Eric Capo, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science. e-mail [email protected]

Salary: According to agreements for PhD students. A PhD education comprises 4 years full time studies (240 ECTS credits).

The Department of Ecology and Environment Science (EMG) performs research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has ~150 coworkers of which ~30 are PhD students. https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-ecology-and-environmental-science/about-the-department/