Deadline: 28 February 2023
In order to develop long-term sustainable cropping systems that will contribute to necessary climate change mitigation, NordForsk has funded a research project AgroMixNorth: "Climate-smart resilience through diversified cropping systems – Identifying springboards in Nordic and Baltic agriculture". The aim of AgroMixNorth is to improve our understanding on the impact of crop diversification (both intra- and interspecific) on soil functioning and food quality, and to evaluate potential synergies and trade-offs arising from specific agricultural management systems.
Within the project, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is seeking for a PhD student to assess potential trade-offs between carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling in diversified and monoculture cropping systems. The PhD student will join a dynamic and internationally recognized team working at the biogeochemical interface of soil organic matter dynamics. SLU is looking for an inquisitive person who is keen to participate in a research program that aims to improve the fundamental understanding of how crop diversification affects carbon, energy and nutrient dynamics in soils and to improve management practices for the development of long-term sustainable cropping systems.
Read about the PhD education at SLU HERE
I. Key information
- Place of work: Uppsala
- Forms for funding or employment: Employment 4 years
- Starting date: April 2023 or as agreed
II. Qualifications:
- The applicant should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in soil or environmental science, earth sciences, ecology, agronomy or similar. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in integrative work at the chemical and biophysical interface in soils.
- Knowledge in C- and N cycling in soil systems and/or soil biology with experience working in the laboratory are desirable. Understanding of soil organic matter models, experiences in planning and executing experiments and scientific writing skills will count as merits.
- The candidate should have a good ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
- Independence, creativity, power of initiative and good interpersonal skills are considered valuable assets.
III. Application & Selection Process:
- Click HERE to Apply with additional informstion.
- The application should contain:
- Application letter (max 2 pages) describing why you are interested in the position
- CV (max 2 pages)
- A copy of a MSc thesis at advanced level corresponding to at least 15 higher education credits or similar
- Contact information for two reference persons relevant to this position (e.g. MSc thesis supervisors)
- Evaluations will be based on the application, interviews and references.
- To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
- Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found HERE
- Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
IV. About Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.
Contact person
Anke Herrmann
Professor of Soil Nutrient Cycling
