Vacant job

Department of Forest Ecology and Management   Do you want to be part of the future that shapes sustainable use forests? We are recruiting a three year post doc to focus on drought effects on forest growth. This post doc is part of the research program Future Silviculture, in the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (https://www.slu.se/en/Collaborative-Centres-and-Projects/wiforce/about-us/) and will bridge the gap between fundamental and applied science in forest management. You will be part of this research program, focused on research linking how trees, soil, and landscapes function to research on sustainable use of forests, with the aim to develop future forest management practices.  Drought is an important reason behind reduced forest production in Europe. One of the most important physiological mechanisms behind the negative effects of drought on tree growth is embolism, a hydraulic failure in the xylem that occurs when air bubbles form. Research studying the susceptibility of plants to embolism has long been limited by the lack of non-invasive methods to study the problem in natural forested settings. Professor Jonatan Klaminder's research group has developed an acoustic method that now makes it possible to study embolism in a new way in the field, which this postdoctoral project may use to study how drought stress affects plants. You can learn more about this research in an episode of an internationally renowned podcast (https://www.thresholdpodcast.org/) where an episode released in December will describe Klaminder's research.  About the position We are looking for a postdoc who, during three years of study, wants to increase our understanding of the mechanisms behind emboli formation in the xylem of plants through studies carried out both in laboratory environments and in forest environments. A question that we see needs to be answered and studied within the project is: is there a difference in resistance to embolism that is species-specific or dependent on provenance and soil conditions? But the project is not limited to this issue. As a postdoc, you are expected to lead and carry out creative experiments in both laboratory and more complex forest environments, as well as utilize existing expertise in acoustic field methods found within Klaminder's research group.   Your profile To be able to apply for this position, the applicant must have a PhD in a discipline such as plant physiology, ecology, soil science, forestry or any other relevant field of study that provides relevant skills for the postdoctoral project area. It is advantageous if the candidate has experience in studies of xylem embolism or bioacoustics, but it is not a requirement. Documented experience in scientific writing is also meritorious. Very good knowledge of English is also required, both in speech and writing. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. About us   The Post Doc will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå and is funded for three years. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future. For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/ Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Umeå Form of employment:   Temporary employment 36 months Scope: 100% Start date: According to agreement. Application: Please submit your application before deadline February 11  2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Your application should be written in English, and contain: (1) A cover letter summarizing your research accomplishments and how you could contribute to the research project, (2) Curriculum Vitae, (3) Publication list, (4) Transcripts of relevant degree certificates and publications, and (5) Contact details of 2-3 references. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/   The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.