Download A PhD position in Plant Ecophysiology

The Faculty of Science announces:
A PhD position in Plant Ecophysiology
to be placed at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.
Reference number E 334 3721/10
We are seeking a highly motivated student for PhD studies in Plant Ecophysiology, with
emphasis to acclimatisation, adaptation and response of plants to variations in temperature. The
PhD project aims at enhancing knowledge and modelling capacity of how ongoing and future
climate changes (especially temperature) will affect plant photosynthesis, respiration and growth.
How these processes react on future climates are essential for ecosystem functions as well as for
forestry and agriculture. The general temperature responses of the photosynthesis and respiration
are relatively well know, however, little is known about the evolutionary limitations of the
capacity of different species to acclimatise to higher temperatures. Climate changes are predicted
to develop at a higher rate than the ability of many plant species to disperse into new areas. The
capacity of plants to acclimatise as well as the responses to a changing climate will be vital for
many ecosystem functions in the future. To describe and analyse the consequences of these
acclimatisation and responses will be the focus for the PhD project.
The work will be conducted by studying how genotypically identical tree species reacts to
naturally occurring temperature gradients in Europe compared to genotypes adapted to the
regional climate. The studies may also include field studies in Africa and/or Australia. Studies
will also be conducted in climate chambers simulating different climates. The studies aims at
developing parameter for dynamic models that can be used to simulate how the future climate
will affect the growth and distribution of trees. The balance between various aspects of the work
will depend on the inclination and skills of the successful applicant. Results generated will
facilitate improved prediction of ecosystem processes and vegetation feedbacks on climate in a
changing atmosphere in collaboration with modellers, in particular those within the Swedish
strategic research programme BECC (Biodiversity and Ecosystems in a Changing Climate). The
PhD student will also participate in the Research School that will be organised by BECC.
The major task for the successful applicant will be to conduct and complete her/his PhD thesis
work under supervision. To fulfil this, the applicant will develop her/his methodological
experience, analytical skills and theoretical depth and breadth. Shorter time periods may also be
spent on field research in other parts of Sweden as well as in other countries inside and outside
Europe. Specific research topics associated with the research project include: plant physiology,
plant ecology, plant ecophysiology, environmental biophysics, plant–atmosphere gas exchange
and (possibly) molecular plant biology.
The Department: is located on the campus of the Gothenburg Botanical Garden (one of the
largest and most excellent in northern Europe) and within walking distance to many other
Departments at the University of Gothenburg. The research at the Department covers a broad
range of research areas: Ecophysiology & Biogeochemistry, Plant Cell and Molecular Biology,
Ecology & Conservation, Ecotoxicology, Systematics & Biodiversity. The research group in
Ecophysiology & Biogeochemistry includes approximately 20 scientists; technicians and PhD
students. See also www.dpes.gu.se
The PhD studies: are aiming at a PhD in Science with emphasis in Biology or Environmental
Science. The PhD position is for a maximum of four years full-time study, three years of thesis
work and one year of course work and literature studies. A selection of courses at the Department
and the Faculty are available, but international courses can also be selected. The student will be
employed on a stipend until 31 December 2011 (utbildningsbidrag) followed by a salary position
(doktorandtjänst) for the final years. In most cases, the PhD student will take on 20% teaching of
undergraduate courses, enabling to extend the PhD studies to a fifth year. The applicant will be
expected to start on 1 December 2010 or as decided upon in negotiations.
Requirements: The applicant should have a Master of Science or corresponding degree in
Biology, Environmental Science or a related area. Good communication skills (written and oral)
in English are necessary, and willingness to spend periods on field studies abroad is
advantageous. Specialisation in Plant Physiologogy, Ecology and/or Ecophysiology as well as
experiences in photosynthesis measurements and modelling is an advantage.
Further information: can be obtained by contacting Dr Göran Wallin, phone: +46-(0)317862620, e-mail: [email protected] or Deputy head of department Prof Håkan Pleijel, email: [email protected]
Applications: should have attached attested documents including list of qualifications (CV),
copy of examination certificates, service certificates, a copy of the master thesis (or equivalent)
and other documents deemed important by the applicant. Applicants should also write a short (no
longer than 1 A4 page) description explaining why they believe themselves to be suitable for the
above position. Include also contact information for two reference persons.
Send the application to the following address:
University of Gothenburg
Ingela Lyck
Dept. of Plant and Environmental Sciences
Box 461
SE-405 30 Gothenburg
Sweden
The application should arrive at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Göteborg
University, no later than October 31, 2010.
The application should quote the number E 334 3721/10