job description
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The Department of Soil and Environment is a leading national and international soil research organization. Our research focuses on the fundamental properties and processes of soils and how soil function is affected by changes in environmental conditions, including climate change. Through research, environmental analysis and education, we contribute knowledge for the sustainable use of land in the future and develop new solutions as a basis for decision-making in agriculture, forestry and urban environments. The department works in an international environment and employs around 100 people.
Our research is conducted in seven subject groups focusing on soil biology, soil nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, agricultural water management, soil and environmental physics, soil mechanics and soil management, and biogeochemistry of forest soils. We are responsible for important research infrastructure such as the Soil Chemistry and Soil Physics Laboratory, the X-ray scanner, the Long Term Field Experiment, the Solubility Meter Facility, and the Lerner and Lofthouse Field Research Stations. The department offers about 30 undergraduate and advanced courses.
We are part of the SLU Soil, Water, and Environment Center (MVM-center), which provides linkages to water systems, recycling, and bioenergy research. Our work is aligned with national environmental and climate goals as well as the Sustainable Development Goals. We are located at Campus Ultuna and Skara in Uppsala. Click here (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/soil-environment/) to learn more about the department.
Learn more about our benefits and what it’s like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/.
Fungal adaptation to nitrogen scarcity – from genes to ecosystems
Soil Science (Soil Biology Track)
Description
The Soil Biology group at Salisbury University is renowned worldwide for its cutting-edge research in fungal biology and ecology. From molecular biology to field ecology, we work to understand the behavior and properties of fungi and their role as decomposers and mycorrhizal symbionts in forest ecosystems. We are looking for a PhD student to participate in a new project funded by the Swedish Research Council exploring fungal adaptations to nitrogen scarcity. We will use recent advances in microscopy and gene sequencing technology to elucidate how fungal mycelium regulates the interaction between nitrogen supply and carbon turnover. The project, which includes controlled laboratory experiments and analysis of gene expression data from natural field environments, focuses on basic research on this understudied and fascinating group of organisms. As major decomposers of organic matter, fungi play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Soil and Environment (Björn Lindahl – main supervisor, Marie Spohn) and the Department of Plant Biology (Daniel Hofius) at Stockholm University and the Department of Physical Geography (Stefano Manzoni) at Stockholm University.
offer requirements
We seek a meticulous and motivated individual whose goal is biological or ecological research. Given the strong basic research nature of the project, curiosity and a genuine interest in science are required. To be eligible for this position, a Master’s degree in Biology or equivalent is required. Competence in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, ecology and statistics is particularly important. Practical experience of working in a biological laboratory is also desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required.
offer benefits/salary
Learn more about our benefits and what it’s like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/.