Post-doctoral fellow in Microbial Ecology of Arctic Ecosystems - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Arctic ecosystems have been experiencing faster and more intense warming compared to anywhere else in the world, strongly affecting their structure and function. For instance, it has been shown that increasing temperatures may accelerate microbial decomposition in soil and biological soil crusts (BSCs) and enhance depletion of carbon stocks. The microbial communities are further disturbed by changes in frequency and intensity of freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs), but it is largely unknown how this will affect the related carbon fluxes to the atmosphere.

The aim of this BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate) research area funded project is to determine the effects of exacerbated intensity and frequency of FTCs on the carbon cycling in arctic BSCs with particular focus on microbial fitness, recovery and related physiological traits at the organism scale. Combined microscale measurements using microfluidic soil chips, optical microscopy observations and Raman microspectroscopy will be used together with bulk analyses of microbial respiration in order to identify parameters connecting single-cell level processes with macroscale responses, such as pulses of CO2 after thawing. These parameters related to microbial functional traits can be implemented in the future modifications of the CoupModel and improve its prediction capacity for ecosystem scale effects of climate change, which is essential for finding strategies for climate mitigation and adaptation.

The postdoc position will be filled together with other five funded by BECC and located at the Centre for Environment and Climate Science (CEC) at Lund University. The postdoc will further be stationed for approximately 3 months of their time at the University of Gothenburg.

Work duties
The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research, consisting of field work in Arctic Research stations located in Sweden and Greenland, sample preparation for both bulk and microscale laboratory experiments, related data analyses and scientific writing. Within the frame of their position the postdoc is expected to actively work with developing BECC as a research environment, e.g. by participating at its yearly meetings and other BECC-events, and by contributing to activities and initiatives such as Action Groups and workshops. Teaching may also be included to promote career development, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall also include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Participating in sampling campaigns in the Arctic Research field stations
• Performing microscale experiments on the collected samples using microfluidic soil chips combined with optical microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy
• Performing bulk analyses of microbial respiration and nitrogen mineralization in the collected samples (in the University of Gothenburg)
• Data analyses, including image and spectral analyses
• Scientific writing
• Actively seeking external research funding (e.g., International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic (INTERACT) or Royal Physiographic Society of Lund for supporting research and field trips).

Qualification requirements
Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. Special emphasis will be placed on scientific ability in the subject areas of soil ecology in arctic ecosystems, microbial ecology, microbiology and analytical chemistry (especially microspectroscopy approaches), but other subject areas may also be considered if they are considered relevant to the project. The doctoral studies must be completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Experience with work on environmental or soil samples both in the field and laboratory experiments
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well with other members of the group and in the multidisciplinary environment

Merits:

• Experience of work in Arctic ecosystems
• Experience working with optical microscopy and related image analyses
• Experience working with spectroscopy methods, particularly Raman (micro)spectroscopy, including spectral analyses, is an important merit.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Fulfilment of the requirements above.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. Startdate: April 1st or according to agreement. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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,
• cover letter, including 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.