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Jobs and Internships for MES Students & Alumni

PhD Position: Physical Geography, Department of Physical Geography Stockholm University (Stockholm, Sweden)

PhD student in Physical Geography: Relations between hydro-climate, nutrient characteristics and biodiversity of wetlands

Ref. No. SU FV-3154-17

at the Department of Physical Geography. Closing date: 5 November 2017.

The Department of Physical Geography is one of the major departments within the Faculty of Science. The department has approximately 140 employees and educates approximately 1 000 students annually. Education is oriented towards geography, geosciences, biology-earth sciences, and environmental management. The main research areas are: Biogeography and Geomatics, Climate science and quaternary geology, Environment, resource dynamics and management, Geomorphology and glaciology, and Hydrology, Water resources and permafrost.

Project description
As part of the multidisciplinary Bolin Centre for Climate Research (Research Area 7), the Department of Physical Geography has an opening for a PhD position on the intersection between physical geography and biodiversity science. The overarching research topic is hydro-climatic change and large-scale sustainability of ecosystem services of constructed, restored and unmanaged wetlands. Despite a trend of wetland establishment in Sweden and elsewhere, the sustained delivery of key ecosystem services has not been thoroughly evaluated before. We seek a candidate for a PhD position that will investigate possible correlations between hydrological/nutrient characteristics of wetlands and wetland landscapes on the one hand, and wetland biodiversity on the other hand. Such relations are necessary for quantifying impacts of on-going and possible future hydro-climatic changes. An important project approach will be to combine and synthesise large hydrological and ecological datasets, screening for correlations and possible predictors of wetland biodiversity (in particular insect diversity) that can be used for assessing impacts of ambient change. The work will include both numerical modelling, e.g., using scenario analyses and statistical correlations, and collection of hydrological and biological data in the field.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, and to fulfil the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of physical geography, the candidate for this position should have acquired a total of 240 higher education credits (of which at least 60 at advanced level), or acquired in some alternative fashion, the equivalent knowledge in geoscience, environmental science or other relevant natural or engineering science.

Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle program may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. The primary assessment criteria in appointing a doctoral student should be the capacity to benefit from the training.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: the candidates’ documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, written and oral proficiency in English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position.

Main assessment criteria for this position also include the candidate’s ability to independently compile environmental data, perform statistical analyses and make relevant quantitative model interpretations. Preference will be given to applicants with a background in geosciences, environmental sciences, landscape ecology, and/or GIS. Candidates must be self-motivated, committed and enthusiastic about working in a large cross-disciplinary project. The PhD dissertation will be written in English.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules.

Terms of employment
The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact Assoc. prof. Jerker Jarsjö, telephone: +46 76 205 86 73, jerker.jarsjo@natgeo.su.se, or Assoc. prof. Andrew Frampton, telephone +46 8 674 7592, andrew.frampton@natgeo.su.se.

Further information about the position can be obtained from HR responsible Susanna Blåndman, susanna.blandman@natgeo.su.se.

Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST and Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 20 00 (operator), seko@seko.su.se (SEKO), and PhD student representative: doktorandombud@sus.su.se.

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system by clicking the “Apply” button. 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 degree projects/theses
  • Research proposal (no more than 2 pages) describing:
    – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
    – how you wish to conduct the project
    – what makes you suitable for the project in question
  • Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
  • Degree projects/theses (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: Instructions – Applicants.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University – our education and research produce results.

Closing date: 05/11/2017

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