PhD student in Geobiospheric Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Torneträsk catchment in northernmost Sweden is one of the best studied regions in the sub-arctic as a result of the establishment of the Abisko Scientific Research Station in 1913. The ongoing climate change in the area has resulted in changes in the abiotic environment for example in permafrost and hydrology and also changes in the biotic environment for example in vegetation and in greenhouse gas emission. Numerous studies on the impact of the changing climate have been carried out in the area, but most of the studies are focusing on individual processes rather than on the interactions between them. We currently miss most information on how different components (climate, vegetation, hydrology, permafrost, greenhouse gas emissions) interact. Furthermore, field data from each component has been used for models as inputs, calibration and/or evaluation, but sensitivity of the interactions among these have not been explicitly evaluated. This is needed to get a coherent picture and to be able to predict future changes in the area.

Assignment
Scientists at the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science (INES) are currently focusing their research in the Torneträsk region on vegetation changes (NDVI), permafrost dynamics, hydrological changes, BVOC and carbon cycle. The different components are however studied in isolation and the successful candidate will work on a conceptual framework to link and integrate the knowledge and result from existing impact studies.

The successful candidate will improve the overall understanding of ongoing environmental changes in the Torneträsk catchment by developing a framework that will study different components (climate, vegetation, permafrost, hydrology, greenhouse gases) in a system approach. For each of the components the direct and indirect drivers of change and the responses that need to be measured to record this will be identified.

This project will hence focus on the interaction between the five components rather than the components themselves and will include both desk study, field work and a modelling component (using the LPJ-GUESS model). The research will be carried out at INES, Lund University and field work will be done at the Abisko Scientific Research Station. Participation in international meetings and workshops, and communication activities related to the research work is expected.

Qualifications

Required:

• The applicants are expected to hold a university degree (preferably MSc. or equivalent) in natural sciences. A degree in subjects like Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences is preferable.
• As this is a true interdisciplinary project, applicants must be willing to work in a multidisciplinary manner, within the fields of physical geography and ecosystem ecology.
• The successful candidate should be focused and well-organised with an equal ability to work independently as part of a team.

Desirable:

• Prior experience of multidisciplinary work in physical geography and ecosystem ecology.
• Experience in modeling with LPJ-GUESS, GIS analyses and field work in the arctic region is an advantage. 
• Experience of scientific publication in English is an asset.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.