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/ Aerial eDNA for forest biodiversity survey Research subject Biology Description: This doctoral project will examine the use of aerial eDNA for surveying forest-dwelling lichens and bryophytes. We aim to understand how different factors, from stand and landscape characteristics to the species’ traits, affect the detectability of species by eDNA, and to develop reliable, standardized sampling protocols to be used in practical biodiversity surveys. The project includes both field- and labwork, bioinformatics, statistics as well as preparation of scientific articles. The PhD student will be based at the Department of Ecology in Uppsala. The project includes collaborations with researchers at SLU Umeå, at Graz University of Technology, and at the Royal Botanical Garden in Edinburgh. Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with an interest in forest ecology and biodiversity and in conducting research. The candidate should have: • A Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, forest science, or other relevant, closely related field • Good communication skills in English, both spoken and written • Ability to work in the field and a driving license (as the project includes fieldwork) In addition, knowledge or experience of the following are meriting: • Forest ecology, genetics, bioinformatics, metabarcoding • Lichen and bryophyte ecology, field surveys of these taxa, and species identification skills • Statistics and programming (e.g. in R) • GIS-analyses A lot of emphasis will also be placed on personal suitability and qualities, e.g. on the ability to work both independently and in a team. Place of work:       Uppsala, Sweden. Forms for funding or employment: Employment (4 years).  Starting date: April 2025, or 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.