A PhD student in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description
Graduate studies including (80–100 %) research and teaching as well as (0–20 %) administrative work. The PhD-project aims to support green infrastructure planning by addressing the following questions; i) are the occurrences of wood living fungi (biodiversity proxies) in fragments of natural forests affected by the temporal and spatial history of forests in the near vicinity? ii) Can a mechanistic understanding of sensitivity to fragmentation be derived from analysis of species traits? Iii) What is the current knowledge base on the role spatial and temporal landscape patterns for species conservation?

By combining wall-to-wall data on continuity forests and national ground cover data (forest types) it is possible to identify a number of natural forest stands (Woodland Key Habitats) in landscape representing different levels of connectivity in space and time. Within these areas, the presence of wood fungi by fruit body inventories and by using a molecular method to identify a set of red listed species from mycelia inside dead wood will be analysed. The empirical data will be put into context through a Systematic Review of similar studies and communicated in policy briefs. Hence, the project will contribute to the knowledge base for functional green infrastructure and support spatial prioritization for protection of new areas and restoration efforts.

Requirements and assessment: To be considered for a PhD position, the applicant must meet the entry requirements for admission to Mid Sweden University´s third-cycle programme. In order to meet the entry requirements the applicant must have a second-cycle degree, or have completed at least 240 ETCS credits of which at least 60 credits should be second-cycle courses. An additional requirement is that 90 credits of the 240 total must consist of courses in Biology. The applicant is also eligible for consideration if s/he has acquired the corresponding knowledge in some other way.

Beside the requirements above, we specifically look for applicants with knowledge and interest in forest ecology, conservation biology, mycology and statistics. Previous experience in research and fieldwork as well as good command in writing scientific text are considered as additional merits.

Procedure
The recruitment process follows the regulations of the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 4, and the employment procedures applicable to Mid Sweden University.

Terms of employment
The PhD position refers to employment corresponding four years of fulltime studies and is planned to lead up to a PhD with a start April 1 2021, or according to agreement.

Placement: Sundsvall

Salary: According to the Mid Sweden University salary scale for PhD students.

For further information, please contact:
Professor Bengt Gunnar Jonsson phone +46 10 1428941, bengt-gunnar.jonsson@miun.se, Head of Department Dan Bylund phone +46 10 1428909, dan.bylund@miun.se or visit the institution online at www.miun.se/nat

Application:

The application should include:

• A verified CV, copies of official transcripts and degree certificates
• Description of objectives according to the above as well as other documents the applicant would like to refer to.

Please welcome to apply through our on-line recruitment tool no later than February 28, 2021.