A PhD position is available at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Umeå University, Sweden:
Colonization ability of forest organisms. Deforestation and forestry threaten forest biodiversity worldwide. Forest habitats are removed, altered and fragmented resulting in considerable reductions in the populations of many species. Anthropogenic climate change puts further pressure on these organisms by changing temperature and humidity of those localities where they still occur. Colonization of new sites by dispersal and establishment may partially mitigate these negative trends. This PhD-project examines the colonization ability of forestry- intolerant species of fungi, insects, lichens, liverworts and mosses. Colonization ability will be assessed indirectly from species’ patterns of occurrence on young coastal islands in northernmost Sweden, taking advantage of the rapid land uplift that continuously provides new islands for primary colonization. Organism characters associated with low or high colonizing ability will also be studied. The project will be pursued in cooperation with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Umeå and is part of Umeå University’s area of excellence Ecosystem Dynamics. The four-year PhD position includes, for example, fieldwork in the coastal archipelago, data analyses, writing of scientific manuscripts, participation in courses, and presentations at seminars and conferences. Usually, PhD-students are given opportunities for undergraduate teaching. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen Chapters 5 and 7). Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) and a driving license are required. Experience and knowledge of ecological field studies, GIS, statistical analyses, and forestry-intolerant organisms are valuable merits. Your application should include a cover letter describing your interest in and suitability for the position, a CV including relevant academic degrees and former positions, and a list of university courses you have taken and the grades you were given, copies of degree certificates, your bachelor’s/master’s thesis and other publications (if any), and the names and contact details of two reference persons. Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-10-09, should be sent to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden or by e- mail to [email protected] to arrive February 16, 2009 at the latest. For more information see: www8.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/313-10-09.html#eng www.umu.se/english/education/doctoral-studies www.emg.umu.se/en/ Best regards Mats Dynesius Assistant Professor Ecology and Environmental Studies Umeå University
