Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Ecology WIFORCE Research School Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/en/wiforce), was created. Department of Ecology At the Department of Ecology, we conduct internationally recognized research and education for sustainable forest and agricultural production and efficient biodiversity conservation. Our research on populations, biological communities and ecosystems are the basis for studying the effects of climate and land use change on animals, plants and soils. We seek solutions that contribute to a sustainable society through research on greenhouse gas balance, biodiversity conservation and wildlife management in forest, agricultural and urban landscapes. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Functional forest landscapes for pollinators Research subject  Biology. Description: Insect populations and diversity is declining globally, and the loss of pollinators has received especially large attention. The knowledge on pollinating insects in forest landscapes, and how these are affected by different forestry activities, is however largely lacking. This PhD project aims to increase the knowledge on how the forest structural diversity and microclimate influence pollinator populations and diversity, and how this in turn affect the pollination of key forest plant species. The PhD candidate will compare general species richness and community composition of pollinating insects, as well as habitat selection and performance in one specific bumblebee species, in forests that differ in structural diversity, microclimate and flower availability. The PhD candidate will also study the importance of insect pollination in bilberry and cowberry, in relation to forest structure and microclimate. Qualifications: We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is excited to learn and who wants to generate new knowledge that is needed to develop future biodiversity conservation strategies in forest landscapes. Applicants should have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, environmental science, forest science or a similar subject and should have a strong interest in ecology and biodiversity. Advanced knowledge in population or community ecology, conservation biology and/or landscape ecology are considered a merit, as is species identification skills and experience from field work with insects. Skills in planning, executing, and reporting scientific studies, as well as experience with statistical analyses and GIS are meriting. The applicant should have the ability to work both independently and in a team. Proven ability to communicate well in written and spoken English is required. The applicant needs to be prepared to spend time away from home during field work. A driving license is required. Place of work:       Uppsala, Sweden. Forms for funding or employment: Employment (4 years). Starting date: According to agreement.  Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-01-21. To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level. Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details. Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/ Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.