PhD Position: PhD Student in Environmental Science

1.     Overview

·        The Department of Environmental Science is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science, Stockholm University.

·        Research in the Biogeochemistry Unit focuses on the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and metals in soils, fresh water bodies, the ocean and the atmosphere.

·        The Biogeochemistry Unit is now seeking a PhD student to complement our team, focusing on plant-soil interactions in permafrost systems.

2.     Project description

·        Climate warming is rapidly changing Arctic and sub-Arctic environments. Consequences include permafrost thaw, increased microbial degradation of soil organic matter to CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, but also wide-spread stimulation of plant primary production and CO₂ uptake, deeper plant rooting, and shifts in vegetation distribution including the north-ward movement of the tree line.

·        Previous experimental and modelling studies suggest that increasing soil organic matter decomposition and deeper plant rooting might improve plant nutrient supply and plant CO₂ uptake, but also that plant roots can stimulate soil organic matter decomposition in their vicinity and thereby accelerate soil CO₂ emissions (“rhizosphere priming”).

·        The aim of this PhD project is to increase the systems understanding of plant-soil interactions and provide quantitative data on their impact on key biogeochemical processes in permafrost systems. A detailed research plan will be developed by student and supervisors in the first months of the thesis work, and may involve field campaigns, laboratory experiments and modelling.

3.     Requirements for application

·        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, for doctoral studies in Environmental Science, at least 45 of the credits at the second cycle must be in one of the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, or Meteorology) including a 30 credits thesis project. The applicant should also have 30 credits in other natural science subjects different from the major.

4.     How to apply & Further information

·        The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position

·        Read the official announcement here

·        Click here to apply

5.     Deadline for application: 23/04/2021

Prepared by

Jean Claude Tuyisenge