PhD Student Position in Arctic and Alpine Biodiversity
Stockholm University & Swedish Museum of Natural History
Closing date: 2 February 2018
Reference number: SU FV-4051-17
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This position will be associated with the Formas-funded project "Has altitude variation in species communities along the Fennoscandian mountains been shaped by neutral or competition based processes?". This project includes collaborators from the Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm University and University of Oviedo. It is closely associated with Arctic Islands, a global research program evaluating the impacts of a climate driven fragmentation on Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Arctic and alpine environments have a harsh climate and harbour simple ecosystems that are characterised by a low primary productivity. Productivity gradients in both latitude and altitude cause further declines in species richness and ecological complexity. Arctic and alpine species communities are particularly susceptible to ecological perturbations caused by global warming, such as north- and upward expansions of boreal and sub-alpine species. The Fennoscandian mountains contain sub-Arctic and alpine environments that provide important ecosystems services for diverse stakeholder groups. Although north- and upward expansions of some species is already ongoing, we have scant information of the likely effects of such range shifts for resident species communities. This project will apply concepts from community assembly theory to empirical data to illuminate the mechanisms by which we can expect climate change to influence biodiversity in the Fennoscandian mountains. Empirical data will be collected directly in the field as well as derived from modern genomic techniques.
We envision the project to work across broad taxonomic scales. The project will include quantifications of community composition of vascular plants, arthropods and vertebrates within altitude gradients along the Fennoscandian mountains using established protocols. These quantifications will require extended periods of field sampling along the Swedish mountains in summer. There will also be a significant laboratory component, were modern genetic barcoding techniques will be utilized to quantify community composition of collected samples, in particular for arthropods.
For this project, important qualifications are prior experience of biodiversity sampling in demanding conditions, a good ability to work in small groups in isolated environments, as well as prior experience either with genetic barcoding techniques or with field identification of Arctic/Alpine vascular flora. We are seeking an individual that is highly self motivated and has a strong capacity to work independently. Fluency in Swedish or Norwegian is an asset, but not a requirement.
QUALIFICATIONS
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.
In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Systematics and Evolution stipulates that applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g. Master’s), or have passed at least 120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including an approved independent project of at least 30 hp at advanced level (examensarbete) within systematics and evolution, ecology, population genetics, bioinformatics or a similar subject. Applicants who have in principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden, or abroad, are also qualified. Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle program may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. The primary assessment criteria in appointing a doctoral student should be the capacity to benefit from the training.
The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.
CONTACT
For more information, please contact Fredrik Dalerum, telephone: +34 664 170 144, fredrik.dalerum@zoologi.su.se. Further information about the position can be obtained from Love Dalen, telephone: +46 8 5195 4281, love.dalen@nrm.se.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be done using Stockholm University's online application system. Please follow the link below to obtain further information about how to write your application and how to access the online application system:
http://www.su.se/english/about/working-at-su/phd?rmpage=job&rmjob=4509&rmlang=UK
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Dr. Jessica K. Abbott
Senior University Lecturer
Department of Biology
Section for Evolutionary Ecology
Lund University
Sölvegatan 37
223 62 Lund, Sweden
Phone: 046 222 9304
Website: http://jessicakabbott.com
"It is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science."
- Charles Darwin, Descent of Man
