Postdoc position in Landscape Patterns in Forest Soil Microbiome and Ecosystem Functions

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen invites applicants for a two-year postdoc position in cropland afforestation and development in microbial diversity and soil functions at a landscape scale. 

Further information on the Department is linked at /www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/  Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Inger Kappel Schmidt,
[email protected]

The position is open from 15 March 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project Description
The position is available to join the Silva Nova project – Restoring soil biology and soil functions to gain multiple benefits in new forests, funded by the Novo Nordisk Challenge Program. Planting new forests is proposed as an effective solution to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crisis. However, the agricultural legacy can constrain the development of forest-adapted species and delay environmental benefits from afforestation. Silva Nova aims to provide new perspectives into the restoration of post-agricultural forest soils to accelerate the development of new forests into a more natural state.

Job Description
This postdoc will be linked to Working Package 4 of Silva Nova, ign.ku.dk/english/silvanova/  which has the aims to 1) understand the relationships between the soil microbiome and ecosystem functioning in Danish forests 2) develop spatial prioritization analyses to aid landscape-scale afforestation strategies that optimize forest productivity and biodiversity and 3) understand the effect of agricultural legacies in the development of forest soil biodiversity and function. To tackle this, the position will assess the interplay of above and below-ground biological communities, environmental factors, and soil ecosystem functioning, based on a nationwide soil survey in Danish forests, complemented with microbial metabarcoding and measures of greenhouse gases and carbon metabolism. The postdoc is also expected to contribute with ideas and concepts to the project and lead at least two high-quality publications. 

Profile
We are looking for a highly skilled, self-driven, positive, and collaborative scientist with the following competences and qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or related fields.
• Expertise in large-scale spatial analysis of biodiversity and ecosystem functions/services.
• Experience with analysis of remote sensing data (optical and LiDAR).
• Experience with analysis and synthesis of biodiversity data (e.g., microbiome).
• Experience with lab assays on soil functioning can be advantageous.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Motivation letter 1-2 pages
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans
• Complete publication list
• DOI links to3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 6 January 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

Interviews will be held in February 2024.

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.