Licentiate student in Soil Nutrient Cycling focusing on organic
matter dynamics

The Department of Soil & Environment conducts research, environmental monitoring & assessment and higher education for
sustainable soil management in agriculture, forestry and urban environments. Outcomes are aligned to and contribute towards
national and international strategies on food security, national environmental objectives and climate reporting as well as the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The majority of the department’s activities and employees are located in the Soil-
Water-Environment building on the SLU Ultuna campus in Uppsala, and there is a research group and a field research station
situated in Skara.

EJP SOIL EnergyLink

Description:
We are seeking a licentiate candidate for a research project evaluating whether aboveground plant trait diversity affects the metabolic
response of soil microorganisms to carbon inputs. The licentiate project is part of a larger collaborative project (EJP SOIL – EnergyLink https://ejpsoil.eu/soil-research/energylink) that is based on the premise that aboveground plant trait diversity can be exploited to manage
persistence of soil organic carbon. The licentiate student will specifically study the potential ‘return on investment’ that soil microbial
communities can obtain from the consumption of plant-derived organic matter using a novel bioenergetics approach developed in the
Department of Soil & Environment.

The metabolic response of soil microorganisms will be evaluated by using inter alia high resolution techniques, the molecular diversity
and the energetic content of soluble organic matter (i.e. the most available organic material to microbial degraders). The licentiate
candidate will join a dynamic and internationally recognized team working at the biogeochemical interface of soil organic matter
dynamics. We are looking for an inquisitive person who is keen to participate in a research program that aims to improve our
fundamental understanding of how plant trait diversity affects energy flows in soil and to improve management practices for enhanced
carbon sequestration in soil.

Qualifications:
The applicant should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in soil or environmental science, earth sciences, ecology, agronomy or
similar. We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in integrative work at the chemical and biophysical interface
in soils. Knowledge in soil biogeochemistry and/or soil biology with experience working in the laboratory are desirable. Understanding
of soil organic matter models, experiences in planning and executing experiments and scientific writing skills will count as merits. The
applicant should have the ability to work both independently and in a team. A proven good ability to communicate in written and spoken
English is required.

Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

Evaluation will be based on the motivation letter, Master thesis and other publications. A selection of candidates will be interviewed, and
if needed a written assay may follow.

Place of work:
Uppsala

Forms for employment:
Employment as a Licentiate, 2 years of education. (With possible opportunity for doctoral education, a total of 4 years of education)

Starting date:
1 July or according to agreement.

For full job description and further information, click here.

Kontaktperson:
Anke Herrmann
Professor of Soil Nutrient Cycling
anke.herrmann@slu.se
+46 (0)18 67 1561