Post-doc position on the relationship between tree and soil biodiversity at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå http://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/jobs-vacancies/read-more/?eng=1&Pid=5383 Plant and soil biodiversity are major drivers of the functioning of forest ecosystems, but the relationship between these two components of forests remains poorly understood. In the Biodiversa project SoilForEUROPE, we study relationships between plant and soil biodiversity, and the consequences for ecosystem functioning and resistance and resilience to climate change. Tree species mixtures provide a higher diversity of resources to soil food webs that may therefore show large differences from soil food webs established in tree monocultures. In our attempts to linking tree and soil biodiversity, we will use the concept of functional traits. While widely used in plant ecology, this concept is still poorly developed for soil ecology, but it could help predicting how soil communities and food webs drive ecosystem functioning and can resist and recover from climate change. Duties: We seek a post-doctoral researcher to investigate tree-soil diversity relationships utilizing a European network of tree diversity plots across climatically contrasting European forest types and as well as in two climate manipulation experiments. The tasks that this project involves include the establishment of a functional trait matrix of soil fauna communities, testing statistical relationships among below- and aboveground diversity indices across trophic levels, and evaluation of the extent to which soil organism diversity can be predicted by tree diversity. We anticipate that the post-doctoral researcher will carry out sampling and analysis of soil mesofaunal communities and use multivariate and structural equation modelling approaches to analyze the relationships among above- and belowground diversity and environmental factors.The position is fully funded for 2 years. The supervisors for the post-doctoral researcher will be Paul Kardol (SLU, Umeå), David Wardle (Nanyang University, Singapore & SLU, Umeå), and Matty P. Berg (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam). Qualifications: We seek a highly motivated individual with good communication skills in written and verbal English, and a strong work ethic. We seek someone who is capable of conducting primary research and developing scientific publications targeted towards prominent international journals. We also seek someone who can work in a team context as well as independently. We are searching for someone with a PhD in ecology or closely related field, particularly with an emphasis in soil and/or invertebrate biology. Good numerical and statistical skills and previous experience with identification of soil fauna are desirable. Competence: PhD degree, preferably obtained in the past three years. Place of work: Umeå Form of employment: A temporary position for two years Extent: 100% Starting date: There is some flexibility with the starting date so long as it is no later than January 1st 2018. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala. www.slu.se The Faculty of Forest Sciences (S) is responsible for research, teaching, environmental monitoring and assessment as well as outreach and collaboration in the field of forestry, including forest ecosystems and their sustainable use. Together with the other SLU faculties, the S Faculty is also active in the fields of food, production, health, quality of life, environment and water. The majority of the S Facultys 700 employees and 850 students are based on Campus Umeå, in facilities shared with the University of Umeå. The S Faculty houses 13 departments and a large number of collaborative centres. Further information: Paul Kardol [email protected] Academic union representatives: Saco-S föreningen SLU, SACO +46 (0)18 671085 Inga-Lis Johansson , SEKO +46 (0)90 786 82 10 Application: We welcome your application marked with Ref no. SLU ua 2017.2.5.1-3016. Please submit your application to the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden or [email protected] no later than September 10, 2017. Specific documents attached: The application should contain the following written in English: 1) a cover letter describing yourself and your match to the above mentioned project; 2) a CV describing your education, publications and relevant work experience, and 3) names and contact information for at least three references.
