We are searching for a postdoctoral researcher to study how biodiversity can provide resilience against global environmental change in agro- ecosystems. Specifically, the project will address how multiple invertebrate predators can contribute to resilient biological pest control under a changing climate and land-use. The successful candidate will enter a strong multi-disciplinary, international research environment addressing topical basic as well as applied ecological research questions. The project includes close collaboration with researchers at SLU, the University of Darmstadt, Germany and Ursinus College, USA.
The Department of Ecology conduct research for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. Our basic research on populations, communities and ecosystems forms the foundation for understanding influences of land use and climate on animals, plants and soil nutrient status and greenhouse gas balance. Solutions are sought that will mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, benefit biological diversity and ecosystem services and control pests in managed agricultural, forested and urban landscapes. Active dissemination, outreach and frequent contacts with stakeholders are key activities. We build on extensive national and international research collaborations to generate cutting-edge research and outreach to further ecology as science and promote sustainable agriculture (see e.g. http://www2.ekol.slu.se/ecoservices and http://www.slu.se/en/Collaborative-Centres-and-Projects/centre-for- biological-control-cbc/). Duties: The postdoctoral researcher is expected to analyse already available data, and perform new experiments to study how the diversity of invertebrate predators contributes to stability of biological control under climate and land-use change. The successful candidate is expected to analyse: 1) the level of redundancy in empirically described aphid- predator food-webs, 2) study how the response diversity of predator communities varies with land-use, and 3) conduct laboratory mesocosm experiments to compare the climate resilience of aphid biological control by predator communities with different response diversity. The successful candidate is expected to take an active part in developing the project and designing experiments, to independently coordinate the empirical work and analyze the collected data, and to write scientific publications in collaboration with the research team. The successful candidate will also assist in the supervision of students, engage in lab activities and communicate with stakeholders. Qualifications: We are looking for a highly motivated candidate pursuing a research career in ecology and with an interest in biodiversity and plant protection. The required qualification for the position is a PhD in ecology, or equivalent. Documented expertise in statistical analyses is required. Experience in community ecology, food-web ecology and insect ecology is meriting, as is experience of ecological field and lab work. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. The candidate should have documented skills in scientific writing. Excellent communication skills in English (both written and oral) are required. As postdoctorial appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are pirmarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. Place of work: Uppsala Form of employment: Temporary employment as postdoctoral researcher for 2 years. Extent: 100% Starting date: May 2017 or by agreement Application: We welcome your application marked with Ref no. SLU ua 728/2017. Please submit your application to the Registrar of SLU, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden or registra...@slu.se no later than March 27, 2017. Specific documents attached: (1) CV with a complete list of publications separated into peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed articles, (2) certified PhD diploma, (3) a description of previous research and other activities relevant for the position (e.g. teaching or extension), and a description of specific research interests (maximum two pages), and (4) names and contact information of at least two persons providing references for the applicant. We would appreciate applications to be submitted in English. SLU is an equal opportunity employer. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture. SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala. www.slu.se Further information: ◾ Mattias Jonsson, Researcher, mattias.jons...@slu.se internt.slu.se/en/cv-originals/mattias-jonsson/ Academic union representatives: • Saco-S föreningen SLU, SACO, +46 (0)18 67 10 85 • Linda Thörnström , SEKO, +46 (0)18 67 10 57 • Lotta Olsson, ST, +46 (0)18 67 15 36
