PhD student position in "Tropical Ecology" at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU, Umeå, Sweden
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join an interdisciplinary research project that was recently funded by the Swedish Research Council (Formas) aimed at identifying management practices and native tree species that can be used to guide the transition to a more sustainable bio-based economy (https://www.researchgate.net/project/Balancing-production-and-ecosystem-services-from-degraded-tropical-rain-forests-to-aid-the-transition-to-a-more-sustainable-bio-based-economy ). A primary goal of this PhD project is to investigate the links between functional traits of native tree species and ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and associated biodiversity, with the ultimate goal of identifying tree species that have both high economic and ecological value. It is expected that the PhD student will also use a combination of greenhouse and field experiments to assess key factors limiting tree establishment as well as the resilience of different native tree species to climate change. Field work for this project will be conducted in northern Borneo, Malaysia, within the "INIKEA Sow-a-Seed" rain forest restoration project (https://sites.google.com/site/sowaseedproject ). The successful candidate will spend up to five months a year at the field site in Borneo.
The PhD student should start in April or May of 2018, but starting date is flexible. This position is fully funded for four years with the expectation that she or he will complete a PhD-degree within this time. There may be potential to extend the length of the PhD contract with teaching, but the successful candidate is expected to be primarily researched based. The PhD student will be under the supervision of Niles Hasselquist (https://nileshasselquist.weebly.com/ ) at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, SLU in Umeå, Sweden and will work closely within an international group of researchers with diverse expertise.
SLU has an international character both when it comes to research and teaching. The department of Forest Ecology and Management has a staff of 76 members, of which 12 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to assist in developing sustainable forest management practices. For more information about the department please visit http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/ .
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with good communication skills in English, both orally and written, a strong work ethic, and someone who works well independently and in a collaborative environment. We are searching for a person with a MSc. in ecology, plant ecophysiology, forest science or a related field. Previous experience working with plant functional traits, biodiversity assessment and/or in tropical ecosystems is a merit. Experience with field data collection, working in remote locations with little to no modern services, analysis of large datasets and/or the use of R or other statistical programs is preferred.
Contact and Application Information
The application should be written in English and include the following:
- CV
- Cover letter describing yourself and your motivation for applying for this position
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join an interdisciplinary research project that was recently funded by the Swedish Research Council (Formas) aimed at identifying management practices and native tree species that can be used to guide the transition to a more sustainable bio-based economy (https://www.researchgate.net/
The PhD student should start in April or May of 2018, but starting date is flexible. This position is fully funded for four years with the expectation that she or he will complete a PhD-degree within this time. There may be potential to extend the length of the PhD contract with teaching, but the successful candidate is expected to be primarily researched based. The PhD student will be under the supervision of Niles Hasselquist (https://nileshasselquist.
SLU has an international character both when it comes to research and teaching. The department of Forest Ecology and Management has a staff of 76 members, of which 12 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystem processes and to assist in developing sustainable forest management practices. For more information about the department please visit http://www.slu.se/en/
Qualifications
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with good communication skills in English, both orally and written, a strong work ethic, and someone who works well independently and in a collaborative environment. We are searching for a person with a MSc. in ecology, plant ecophysiology, forest science or a related field. Previous experience working with plant functional traits, biodiversity assessment and/or in tropical ecosystems is a merit. Experience with field data collection, working in remote locations with little to no modern services, analysis of large datasets and/or the use of R or other statistical programs is preferred.
Contact and Application Information
The application should be written in English and include the following:
- CV
- Cover letter describing yourself and your motivation for applying for this position
- Short (max one page) description of your scientific background, research interests and your match to the above mentioned qualifications
- Verified copies of graduation degrees, or equivalent, as well as other relevant certificates (e.g. English knowledge if you did not do your previous studies in Sweden or in a native English speaking country)
- Name and contact information of two professional references.
Please visit http://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/postgraduate-studies/new-phd-student/Read-more/?sprak=e&Uid=2236 and click on the link "Application Form" at the bottom on the page to apply for this position. Apply no later than 2018-01-26. Evaluations will be based on the application letter, references, interview and relevance of previous research experiences.
For additional information about his position please contact Niles Hasselquist (niles.hasselquist@slu.se).
- Verified copies of graduation degrees, or equivalent, as well as other relevant certificates (e.g. English knowledge if you did not do your previous studies in Sweden or in a native English speaking country)
- Name and contact information of two professional references.
Please visit http://www.slu.se/en/
For additional information about his position please contact Niles Hasselquist (niles.hasselquist@slu.se).
