Two PhD Positions Available
Terrestrial Ecology in the Arctic
University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, 15 February 2018
For more information and to apply, go to:
http://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=146621
For questions, contact:
Riikka Rinnan
Email: riikkar [at] bio.ku.dk
The Terrestrial Ecology Section in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen invites applications for two PhD positions in terrestrial ecology in the Arctic. These full-time three-year positions will be based at the University of Copenhagen in Copenhagen, Denmark, with periods of fieldwork in Northern Scandinavia and Greenland during summer.
The overall project will focus on assessing biotic and abiotic controls of biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from Arctic and alpine tundra. The project aims to improve tundra BVOC emission estimates so that the impacts of ongoing climate warming, accompanied by effects of vegetation change, permafrost thaw, insect outbreaks, and herbivory, can be accounted for.
One PhD position will work with the release of volatiles by deciduous and evergreen tundra shrubs and the impact of leaf and plant surface temperatures. The aim is to obtain an improved quantification of relationships among canopy temperature, plant phenology, species characteristics, and BVOC emission under varying environmental conditions. The work includes field measurements and modeling work.
The second PhD position will focus on the effects of insect herbivory and warming on BVOC emissions from Arctic willows and birch. The aim is to assess the quantity and composition of volatiles induced by insect feeding and to compare the temperature sensitivities of constitutive and induced volatiles. The work includes field measurements and laboratory experiments under controlled conditions.
The successful candidates will have a MSc in biology, environmental science, or a related field, with the degree obtained by 31 March 2018. A demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English is also required. Candidates for both positions must be able and willing to work under extended periods in remote locations (e.g. Greenland) and experience in Arctic fieldwork and gas exchange measurements of biogenic volatiles or greenhouse gases are beneficial. For the first position, experience in plant ecophysiology is an advantage. For the second position, experience in plant-insect interactions or entomology is an asset.
Applications must include:
- A letter of motivation for the application with a statement of research interests and indication of the preferred position;
- A curriculum vitae (maximum of two pages);
- List of publications, if applicable;
- Copy of Bachelor and Masters diplomas and transcripts, and other relevant certificates, including grades;
- A short abstract of the MSc thesis; and
- Contact details of at least two persons for references.
Applications must be in English and submitted online at:
http://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=146621
Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, 15 February 2018
For more information and to apply, go to:
http://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=146621
For questions, contact:
Riikka Rinnan
Email: riikkar [at] bio.ku.dk