Doctoral student in biology

Subject description

Biology is the broad subject about all living things. It encompasses everything from processes at the molecular and cellular level to global processes at ecosystem level. The subject is divided into a range of sub-disciplines and specialisations. The PhD programme at the Department of Biology includes many of these specialisations, from molecular biology to applied ecology, from viruses and individual cells to evolutionary biology and global biodiversity. Taking on research studies at the Department of Biology generally means focusing on a delimited part of the research area of biology and may include field studies, experiments, theoretical studies, or a combination of these.

Work duties

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties, up to 20%.

The goal of the PhD project is to enhance our understanding of how forest management contributes to browning, and how that link is mediated by the decomposition processes of fungal communities. Browning - that freshwaters are becoming increasingly brown - is widely observed in northern regions, and is caused by increased leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and iron from the catchment. This phenomenon has received ample attention, since it constitutes a significant portion of the global carbon cycle, and any changes in this flux may have consequences for the forests capacity to sequester carbon. Furthermore, it has important consequences for ecosystem functions and services provided by freshwaters. Recent research demonstrates the important role of coniferous afforestation as an underlying driver of browning. This is due to the buildup of organic soil layers under coniferous forests, which sustain high DOC and iron export, but it may also be linked to other aspects of forest management such as forest fertilization and ditching of peat soils to promote forestry. An important and poorly known factor is the role of fungal communities which establish as a consequence of different forestry practices. Fungal decomposition plays an important role in mobilization of DOC from soils, and decomposition processes differ between fungal groups. The aim of the proposed project is therefore to determine the influence of forest management (e.g. fertilization, tree species) on fungal community composition and the subsequent effect on DOC and iron mobilization.

The project addresses novel aspects of browning, and will make a significant contribution by elucidating what activities in the landscape contributes to browning, which is critical for our understanding on how and where local measures can be implemented to for mitigation.

The project will include field based projects as well as controlled experiments in laboratory settings. Furthermore, the project will involve methods to determine fungal community composition, culturing and biochemistry of fungi, assessing quantitative and qualitative aspects of organic carbon and iron fluxes and pools in soils, soil waters and surface waters. The project is suitable for candidates with a background and an interest in microbial ecology/function/biogeochemistry in soils and/or waters.

Additional requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biology if he or she has passed an independent project (for example a degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and have good oral and written proficiency in English.

• A MSc in biology, biogeochemistry, environmental science or equivalent fields.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Drivers’ license and ability to drive.
• Demonstrated ability for proactive and independent work.

In addition to the mandatory requirements, any of the following will be considered as strong merits:

• knowledge and a strong interest in biogeochemical processes in soil and/or water
• knowledge and a strong interest in fungal ecology and fungal processes
• knowledge of genetic methods, e.g. for characterizing communities
• knowledge analytical methods to quantify and characterize organic matter, nutrients and metals,
• experience of field work, laboratory work, experimental work, GIS, and analysing complex datasets
• Important personal qualities are to be creative, good at problem solving, collaborative, independent and to demonstrate strong organizational skills and a strong work ethic.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, for example professional experience.

Consideration will also be given to strong collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1–7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the postgraduate education programme and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.

The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, contact information for at least two references, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, letters of recommendation, research reports, etcetera).