PhD position at Umea University, Sweden: Biodiversity-ecosystem functioning in streams

Graduate student and postdoc positions
Posted: 22 Apr, 2008
Expiration Date: 29 May, 2008

Anthropogenic environmental degradation is expected to increasingly compromise the functioning of ecosystems and the delivery of related ecological goods and services to human societies. This has helped stimulate research into the factors regulating ecosystem functioning, most often quantified as one or more ecosystem level process rates (e.g. primary production and organic matter decomposition). Freshwater ecosystems deliver a number of important ecosystem services, but have been identified as particularly vulnerable systems, suffering both from the direct effects of environmental disturbances (e.g. pollution, land clearance) and biodiversity loss. This PhD project specifically aims at investigating how variation in the temporal and spatial distributions of organisms influences ecosystem processes in freshwater ecosystems, and at testing how different aspects of biodiversity may modify these processes. The work will in part be carried out in both natural and anthropogenically modified boreal field sites in the north of Sweden, and in part as laboratory experiments. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapters 5 and 7). The position is available for a four-year period. Candidates need 180 ECTS-credits advanced education studies, of which 120 ECTS-credits must be in biology (or equivalent merits). Excellent English writing skills and a driving license are required. Experience of field experiments, good statistical knowledge and familiarity with freshwater insects are valuable merits. The application should include a description of the applicant’s research interests, a letter of motivation, CV, publications if any, copy of master’s thesis, and the names and e-mail addresses of two reference persons.

For further information, please contact Professor Bjorn Malmqvist, +46-90-786 68 74, . Information about the research group can be found at . Union information is available from SACO, +46-90-786 53 65, SEKO civil, +46-90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-90-786 54 31. Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-1570-08 should be sent to the Registrar, Umea University, SE-901 87 Umea, Sweden to arrive no later than May 29, 2008.