Postdoctoral position (2 years) in spatial ecology – Impact of ants on Arctic ecosystems

The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Sweden invites applicants for a 2-year postdoctoral position in spatial ecology focused on the impact of ants in Arctic treeline ecosystems. The objective is to quantify with soil and vegetation data combined with unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery how ants influence carbon dynamics. The position is on fulltime and is expected to start 1 April, 2022 or according to agreement. The closing date is January 31, 2022.

Project description and working tasks
A warming climate is rapidly changing Arctic ecosystems, increasing ecosystem productivity and risks to release large amounts of soil organic carbon (C). In most biomes, soil organic C is to a large extent controlled by detritivores such as ants (Formicidae). Ants are limited in their latitudinal range by cold temperatures in Arctic ecosystems, but climate change is likely to remove such limitations. The implications for C dynamics remain unstudied and provide a fascinating research question that we want to address using field sampling, UAV data and species distribution modeling. Ants substantially alter soil conditions, drive C and nitrogen (N) mineralization, alter CO2 fluxes, and strongly impact vegetation communities. Our preliminary studies show that UAV imagery can map ant mounds and reveal increased ecosystem productivity in proximity of ant mounds. This post-doctoral project aims to quantify the impact of ants on soils and vegetation in Arctic ecosystems and to understand the relevance of this process for ecosystem C dynamics.

The specific objectives of the post-doctoral project are to:

(1) Quantify the effect of ants on ecosystem C dynamics in Arctic landscapes.

(2) Map ant distribution using UAV and satellite data, and generate species distribution models.

(3) Combine the information to scale the effects of ants on vegetation, ecosystem C dynamics to landscape scale.

The post-doctoral researcher is expected to conduct fieldwork in summer 2022 and 2023, collect data such as flux measurements, soil sampling and vegetation analysis in our main study area in Abisko, northern Sweden and write scientific articles of the results. The analysis of existing and newly collected UAV data will be part of the tasks and one of the goals is to develop species distribution models.  Existing data and samples collected during previous years will also be available. The project also offers the opportunity to work with a number of international collaborators.

Qualifications
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate qualifies for employment as a postdoctoral fellow. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

Successful candidates must have a PhD in ecology, geography, geoscience, environmental science, or a related field. We seek a creative and motivated person with a strong work ethic and good oral and written communication skills in English. You should be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others. Prior experience with boreal/tundra/treeline ecosystems, ants, detritivores, flux measurements, remote sensing/UAV data and species distribution modeling will all be viewed as merits. The project can be adjusted to the expertise and interest of the candidate. Candidates from a large range of scientific backgrounds will be considered.

Application
A full application should include:

• A personal cover letter including a description over why you are interested in this position and how you can contribute to the research project (max two pages).
• CV including list of publications (can include submitted manuscripts; describe your contribution to each).
• A copy of your PhD thesis and relevant publications (max five).
• A certified copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degree certificates.
• Other documents you wish to claim.

The application should be written in English (preferred) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system on January 31, 2022 at the latest. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format.

Contact
Any additional questions about the project or application should be directed to
Matthias Siewert, Associate Professor ([email protected]).

 The Department of Ecology and Environmental Science carries out research and postgraduate education in ecology, environmental science and physical geography. The department has about 150 employees, about 20 of who are post-docs. At Umeå University, you will experience an attractive and creative academic and research environment that is characterised by excellence, innovation, openness and diversity. More information can be found under: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/