Researcher in the project MOSS - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Peatlands and forests are key elements when it comes to meet several challenges outlined in the UN climate and sustainable development goals. In recent years, land-use and climate changes have facilitated for an accelerating tree colonization at many peatlands, which in turn has negative effects on biodiversity, hydrology, carbon sequestration and thereby climate. In the research project MOSS (Management strategies for tree colonized peatland ecOSyStems, we use (1) monitoring techniques and tree-ring analysis (dendrochronology) to study tree colonization, tree growth and tree mortality as well as links and feedbacks between the trees and the hydrology on natural, ditched and rewetted peatlands, (2) greenhouse experiments to study survival and biomass production for pine saplings and mosses growing under different hydrological conditions, and (3) vegetation models to provide reliable projections of peatland ecosystem responses in the context of various climate and management scenarios. Based on our observations we aim to formulate recommendations and directives on how peatlands should be preserved or restored given different tree coverage and hydrological histories.

To strengthen and broaden our research group, we search for a person with documented knowledge of responses of Swedish peatland vegetation to changes in tree encroachment, moisture, and nutrients.

Work duties

The work duties will vary between field studies, laboratory work, and article writing. Among the main work duties are:

• In field documentation of peatland vegetation along transects of shifting tree coverage and soil moisture
• Laboratory studies of peatland vegetation and species identification
• Design a new greenhouse experiments including tree saplings and Sphagnum mosses
• Writing of report and articles based on the results from the work duties

Qualification requirements

The applicant must have documented knowledge about boreal peatland vegetation dynamics in response to changes in hydrology and nutrient content. Documented skills about decomposition and extracellular enzyme activity in Sphagnum peatlands are desirable. Since the employment is time limited, it is required that the person employed is well acquainted with their commitments because extremely limited time for education or training can be offered.

Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of peatland vegetation dynamics
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Statistical expertise, preferably using r (e.g., vegan, glmmADMB)
• Documented laboratory experience working with organic soils
• Skills assessing extracellular enzymes in soils
• Skills in analysing soluble amino acids in plant tissues
• Skills in study total and microbial N & C (fumigation technique)
• Skills in extracting Sphagnan from Spagnum tissues
• Skills about chlorophyll content of plant tissue
• Skills about microdialysis in soil applications
• Moreover, skills about analyses of C, N and O stable isotopes in organic soils and plants are desirable

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence. Moreover, it is also important how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development. Driving license is needed to be able to carry out your own field work.

Terms of employment

The employment is limited in time and part-time (50% of full-time for about 12 months)

Desired start date: As soon as possible, by appointment

Contact person: Johannes Edvardsson, johannes.edvardsson@geol.lu.se

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages)
• contact information of at least two references
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered