A doctoral (PhD) student in biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Biology is the doctrine of life and encompasses all levels from the molecular to the global. In biology, the organisms and functions of living organisms, reproductive capacity, hereditary mass, growth, and development, and how they spread, interact, and cooperate with their environment and how they evolved, are studied. Biology therefore spans a large area of specialized research branches where different tools are used to study living organisms. The research in biology at Mid Sweden University is focused on ecology, genetics, and conservation biology.

Job description

The PhD-project aims to increase our knowledge on biodiversity and dynamics of boreal Scots pine forests with focus on dead wood, fungi, hollow pines and wood mould. The research addresses questions about how forest management, productivity and fire history influence quality and longevity of snags, and how fungal communities in dead wood are structured by wood chemistry. The project also aims to explore tree hollowing in Scots pine, including which heart-rot fungi are involved and how different fungi influence the type of tree hollows produced. In this work studies on wood mould ecology will also be included, which is poorly investigated for Scots pine.

The fieldwork will be performed in Scots pine dominated forest landscapes with variation in fire history, productivity, and forest management intensity. To answer the questions addressed, methods such as dendrochronology, wood chemical analyses and genetical/molecular analyses to identify fungi, will be included. The project will contribute with new knowledge on the ecology and dynamics of Scots pine forests, with implications for conservation management of these forests.

Independent third-cycle studies encompassing research (80-100%), teaching and administrative tasks (0-20%).

Entry requirements

General entry requirements include a second-cycle level qualification, or fulfilment of courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements include at least 90 credits in the subject of biology or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Assessment criteria

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

Personal qualities

In addition to good subject knowledge, personal qualities such as cooperations skills, initiative and personal suitability for research training, as well as a good ability to plan and structure one's work. As the PhD student will participate in teaching, we would like the applicant to have good communication skills.

Employment process

Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures. 

Terms of employment
The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. The entry date is 2023-09-01 or as agreed.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Place of employment: Sundsvall

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.  

Information
For more detailed information contact the Head of department, Madelen Olofsson, Madelen.olofsson@miun.se or +46 10 1428867 or Mattias Edman, mattias.edman@miun.se or +46 10 1428429.

Application
Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English.

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 send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 2023-06-07.