Tentadora oferta de doctorado en biodiversidad ártica y alpina

PhD Student Position in Arctic and Alpine Biodiversity

Stockholm University and the Swedish Museum of Natural History

Closing date: 2 February 2018
Reference number: SU FV-4051-17


PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This position will be associated with the Formas-funded project "Has
altitude variation in species communities along the Fennoscandian
mountains been shaped by neutral or competition based processes?". This
project includes collaborators from the Swedish Museum of Natural History,
Stockholm University and University of Oviedo. It is closely associated
with Arctic Islands, a global research program evaluating the impacts
of a climate driven fragmentation on Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity.

Arctic and alpine environments have a harsh climate and
harbour simple ecosystems that are characterised by a low primary
productivity. Productivity gradients in both latitude and altitude cause
further declines in species richness and ecological complexity. Arctic
and alpine species communities are particularly susceptible to
ecological perturbations caused by global warming, such as north- and
upward expansions of boreal and sub-alpine species. The Fennoscandian
mountains contain sub-Arctic and alpine environments that provide
important ecosystems services for diverse stakeholder groups. Although
north- and upward expansions of some species is already ongoing, we
have scant information of the likely effects of such range shifts for
resident species communities. This project will apply concepts from
community assembly theory to empirical data to illuminate the mechanisms
by which we can expect climate change to influence biodiversity in the
Fennoscandian mountains. Empirical data will be collected directly in
the field as well as derived from modern genomic techniques.

We envision the project to work across broad taxonomic scales. The
project will include quantifications of community composition of
vascular plants, arthropods and vertebrates within altitude gradients
along the Fennoscandian mountains using established protocols. These
quantifications will require extended periods of field sampling along the
Swedish mountains in summer. There will also be a significant laboratory
component, were modern genetic barcoding techniques will be utilized
to quantify community composition of collected samples, in particular
for arthropods.

For this project, important qualifications are prior experience of
biodiversity sampling in demanding conditions, a good ability to work
in small groups in isolated environments, as well as prior experience
either with genetic barcoding techniques or with field identification of
Arctic/Alpine vascular flora. We are seeking an individual that is highly
self motivated and has a strong capacity to work independently. Fluency
in Swedish or Norwegian is an asset, but not a requirement.


QUALIFICATIONS
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, the general syllabus
for doctoral studies in the field of Systematics and Evolution stipulates
that applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g. MasterĄŻs),
or have passed at least 120 hp (2 years) of biological studies, including
an approved independent project of at least 30 hp at advanced level
(examensarbete) within systematics and evolution, ecology, population
genetics, bioinformatics or a similar subject. Applicants who have in
principle acquired the corresponding competence in Sweden, or abroad,
are also qualified. 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.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.


CONTACT
For more information, please contact Fredrik Dalerum, telephone: +34 664
170 144, fredrik.dalerum@zoologi.su.se. Further information about the
position can be obtained from Love Dalen, telephone: +46 8 5195 4281,
love.dalen@nrm.se.


HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be done using Stockholm University's
online application system. Please follow the link below
to obtain further information about how to write your
application and how to access the online application system:
http://www.su.se/english/about/working-at-su/phd?rmpage=job&rmjob=4509&rmlang=UK