PhD Position in Ecological Stoichiometry The stoichiometry of food webs (StoichioWeb) Announced by the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science (EMG) at Umeå University in Sweden (www.emg.umu.se) Project description Ecological stoichiometry is a relatively novel approach that yields exciting, often-counter-intuitive predictions linking the chemical composition of organisms to the biogeochemical cycles of elements in ecosystems. Yet, most of these breakthroughs come from studies of bi-trophic interactions (mainly plant-herbivore and plant-decomposer interactions). Hence, a whole field of investigations is still open in front of this approach, since most natural food webs contain more than two trophic levels. Interestingly, novel theoretical work has shown that ecosystem dynamics observed in simplified 2-level systems can be substantially modified in a more realistic multi- trophic context. This project is a dual modeling and experimental investigation of the mechanisms underlying the impacts of the elemental composition of organisms on the cycles of elements in ecosystems harboring multi-trophic food webs. In microcosms, you will assemble food webs from representative species of the basic trophic levels (primary producers, herbivores, microbial decomposers, microbivores). You will then assess the effects of the elemental stoichiometry of given trophic levels on the dynamics of the food web and on important biogeochemical functions (e.g., carbon fixation, nutrient uptake, carbon and nutrient mineralization) by experimentally adding/subtracting trophic levels or manipulating nutrient inputs. You will use predictions from mathematical models that you will have built beforehand as a guide for these experiments. Requirements The recruitment procedure for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapter 5 and 7). Prerequisites include either i) 240 ECTS credits (Swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (Swe. poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007 or equivalent competence. Anyone who, prior to July 1, 2007, had acquired qualifications meeting the general admission requirements for third-cycle studies then in force, i.e. first-level studies comprising at least 120 credits, or substantially equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad, shall be deemed to meet the current general entry requirements, but no later than until the end of June 2015 (Higher Education Ordinance, Ch. 12, item 11). The successful candidate should show creativity and initiative and be open to working in a spirit of cooperation. A background in ecological modeling and/or experience with laboratory cultures is highly desirable. A good ability to read, write and speak English is essential. Application The application should include a short description of your research interests and, more precisely, why you are interested in the position, a CV, certificates from higher education, copies of relevant diplomas, and contact information for 2 reference persons. The application should be written in Swedish or English and can be submitted either electronically (MS Word or PDF format) or in hard- copy (3 copies) form. For more information, contact Mehdi Cherif, +46-(0)90-786 92 39, e-mail: [email protected]. Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed. Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-759-12, should be sent to [email protected] (state the reference number as subject) or to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive October 1, 2012 at the latest.
We look forward to receiving your application!
