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 overarching aim of this PhD project is to investigate the determinants and drivers of microbially-derived soil carbon formation and loss. It has been proposed that microorganisms contribute to the formation of more stable organic matter via the “microbial  pump”, as microbial residues may be more persistent and readily stabilized to mineral surfaces in soil. Understanding the formation pathways, stability and underpinning microbial ecology of this microbially-derived mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) is therefore important for predicting the carbon and nutrient sequestration potential of soils, and its vulnerability to environmental change.    

Through conducting this project, you will:

• Identify how resource availability affects the formation and retention of microbially-derived MAOM
• Determine the stability of formed MAOM, and its sensitivity to climate change and extreme events (e.g. drought cycles)
• Test whether new inputs of plant-derived organic matter can destabilize (“prime”) MAOM, and the consequences for soil carbon and nutrient mineralization dynamics.

This will be achieved by conducting experiments in constructed soil microcosms, as well as more complex plant-soil systems. You will use a range of novel isotope-based methods, including 13C-labelling and tracing of microbial carbon use, 15N- and 33P-pool dilution to measure rates of gross nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization, and 3H- and 14C-incorporation methods to measure bacterial and fungal growth rates. The project will provide an advanced education in soil microbial ecology and biogeochemistry, and will be laboratory-intensive with opportunities to conduct fieldwork.

The project is suitable for candidates with a background and interest in soil microbial ecology, ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry. You will be part of the Microbial Biogeochemistry in Lund (MBLU) research environment (https://portal.research.lu.se/en/organisations/microbial-biogeochemistry-in-lund/), and be supervised by Dr. Lettice Hicks and Prof. Johannes Rousk.

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 (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

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

• 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.

Additional requirements

• An advanced university degree (MSc or equivalent competence) in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, or a closely related area.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented ability to conduct independent work
• Practical experience of conducting laboratory work.

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 cycles. Special attention is paid to the following:

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

Other assessment criteria

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered strong merits:

• Research experience (e.g. master thesis or equivalent) related to the project
• Experience of laboratory work with methods related to the project
• Experience in using isotope-based methods
• Experience in planning and conducting field-work
• Experience in data handling and statistical analysis

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, motivation, 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 shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position 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, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etcetera).