at the Department of Environmental Science. Closing date: 15 May 2023.
The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The department consists of four units with more than 170 researchers, teachers, doctoral students and technical/administrative staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focuses on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee at the Department of Environmental Science you will be part of a dynamic environment with research in leading research areas and with a strong international profile.
Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and metals in soils, fresh water bodies, and the ocean. The unit has a strong and long-standing research focus on the impact of global warming on large-scale biogeochemical cycles with the overarching goal to improve the systems understanding and future projections of greenhouse gas fluxes.
The Biogeochemistry Unit is now seeking a postdoctoral fellow to complement our team, and model the impact of rhizosphere priming on soil carbon stocks at a global scale.
Project description
Plants can contribute to soil carbon stabilization, but can also increase soil organic matter decomposition near their roots via the rhizosphere priming effect. Using the novel, observation-based PrimeSCale model, we showed that priming can accelerate soil carbon losses, at a rate that is globally relevant even when only considering permafrost environments (Keuper & Wild et al. 2020 Nature Geoscience). This postdoctor will upgrade and expand PrimeSCale to a global scale, and compare priming effects across large-scale biomes.
The advertized postdoctoral fellow will be connected to ongoing efforts to quantify priming using PrimeSCale at a smaller scale, for permafrost systems within the ERC Starting Grant project PRIMETIME (PI Birgit Wild) and for agricultural systems with the Horizon Europe project AI4SoilHealth (collaboration partner Frida Keuper).
Main responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for advancing the existing PrimeSCale model on rhizosphere priming in the Arctic, to the global scale.
The work will include:
- Adapting the model code
- Identifying and integrating suitable data products
- Evaluating spatial variability of carbon losses induced by priming and its drivers
- Writing publications as lead author and supporting publications as co-author
- Coordinating the communication with international partners.
Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.
Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. Special emphasis is put on the applicant’s knowledge and skills within the subject area, ability to express themselves verbally and in writing, analytical aptitude, creativity in scientific thinking, initiative and independence, and a capacity for working together with others. Previous experience working with model code (R, Matlab, Python) is a requirement, and experience with spatial data products would be ideal. Observational or modelling experience with plants, soils, microorganisms and their interactions, and with connecting observational data and modelling are all beneficial, but not mandatory. The evaluation will be based on the quality and ambition of previous work, scientific publications, references, a research plan and a cover letter motivating the candidate’s interest, and interviews.
We are seeking a highly motivated person with a strong interest in large-scale drivers of soil carbon stabilization and greenhouse gas release, and their sensitivity to various aspects of global change. The work will integrate components of plant science, soil science, and microbiology, and we are looking for a candidate with the motivation to connect these components. A background in e.g. Environmental Sciences, Biology, or Geosciences would be highly suitable. Collaborative skills and proficiency in English are required.
Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date around fall 2023, or as per agreement.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Ass. Prof. Dr. Birgit Wild, birgit.wild@aces.su.se.
Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).
Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
Please include the following information with your application
- Your contact details and personal data
- Your highest degree
- Your language skills
- Contact details for 2–3 references
and, in addition, please include the following documents
- Cover letter
- CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
- Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
– why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
– why and how you wish to complete the project
– what makes you suitable for the project in question - Copy of PhD diploma
- Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
- Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).
The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.
You are welcome to apply!
Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.
Closing date: 15/05/2023