Doctoral position in biology: vegetation ecology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description
The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology has an opening for one Ph. D. position at the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences in the field of vegetation and landscape ecology. The project will specifically study which factors control diaspore dispersal and plant community composition along boreal streams, which in turn may have cascading effects on functional plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. The position includes 80% research and 20% teaching and other academic duties in the Department. The temporary employment is restricted to max 5 years when teaching part-time 20%.

The River Ecology and Management Research Group (RivEM), a research environment within the Department of Environmental and Life Sciences at Karlstad University, conducts both basic and applied research in and along rivers and lakes and their surrounding landscapes. The research environment is interested in the sustainable use of natural resources in watersheds, working for solutions to environmental problems that benefit both society and nature. Areas of research addressed by RivEM include river connectivity and the effects of hydropower, aquatic-terrestrial interactions and habitats, winter ecology under global climate change, endangered species, conservation biology and social-ecological research relating to river regulation and recreational fishing (www.kau.se/biology/research; www.nrrv.se). Many research topics are conducted in collaboration with stakeholders from industry, administrative agencies, interest organizations and landowners.

RivEM was selected as a ‘Strong Research Environment’ by Karlstad University, and has received directed funding to further develop the environments’ research profile. This doctoral position is part of the strategy to develop RivEM, focusing on one of its three core interests, viz. aquatic-terrestrial interactions and habitats. The successful candidate will study the composition and diversity of plant communities along boreal streams in relation to this theme. The specific research questions to be addressed will be decided in consultation with the candidate. Areas of particular interest are (1) the effects of local and landscape-scale factors for plant species composition and diversity and cascading effects on ecosystem functioning and (2) studies of factors promoting or constraining plant dispersal along streams.

Education and duties
The Ph. D. program consists of 240 credits, including the dissertation. Doctoral students may also be assigned departmental duties, such as teaching. Doctoral students are expected to be involved in the daily work of the Department.

Requirements and assessment grounds
To be admitted to the Ph. D. program, candidates must fulfill both the general and special eligibility requirements, as well as be deemed to have the ability to successfully complete the doctoral program (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, § 35).

General eligibility. A person who has earned a master’s degree of at least 240 ECTS credits of which at least 60 ECTS credits are studies at master’s level, or who in some other way in the country or abroad has acquired largely equivalent knowledge has general eligibility for admission. If there are special reasons for doing so, the faculty board may grant an individual applicant exemption from the general eligibility (Higher Education Ordinance, Ch.6). 

Special eligibility. To be eligible for admission to graduate studies in Biology requires that one has at least 120 credits in Biology, including a 30 credit independent research course at the Magister or Master’s level. 

Assessment grounds. The successful candidate is the person deemed best to be able to successfully complete the educational program and to produce a dissertation of high scientific quality and originality. In the selection process, special weight is given to (1) the applicant's academic performance, in terms of grades and course breadth, as well as the quality of their advanced-level independent research work (30 hp), and (2) documented knowledge of higher plant species and experience in fieldwork. Considerable weight is given to experience in experimental analysis and design in landscape ecology. Experience with geographic information systems is also of merit. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required, as well as a driver’s license. The applicant is expected to work at the university and participate in our research environment. In addition, special emphasis is placed on personal qualities such as good interpersonal skills, ability to establish good relations with others and the ability to take initiative and show commitment to the initiatives of others.

Admission
Admission occurs after individual evaluation of all candidates. The starting date for the position is as soon as possible, preferably by March 1, 2019 at the latest. Location of employment is Karlstad.

Non-electronic documents (state registration number REK 2018/252) can be sent to:
Karlstad University
Faculty of Health, Science and Technology
Att: Åsa Ivansson
651 88 Karlstad

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and decline any contacts from advertising or recrutiment agencies.