University of Gothenburg meets societal challenges with diverse knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive education programs attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and perspectives, the University of Gothenburg contributes to a better future.
At the Department of Biology and Environmental Science (BioEnv), educational and research activities span from mountain ecosystems, through forests, land, and waterways, all the way out to the sea. In these environments, we work with different biological organizational levels from genes, via individuals and populations to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics, and combinations of these areas to understand the significance of natural and human-created environmental changes.
The department is located in two different places: Natrium at Medicinareberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is based at Natrium.
Project Description
The EDGE lab research group (edge-ecology.com) is seeking student employees for a project focusing on plant ecology and global environmental changes. Our research group studies how global environmental changes affect plant and pollinator communities and how changes in these communities, in turn, lead to ecosystem-level transformations. We primarily focus on Arctic and alpine ecosystems in Sweden and other parts of the world.
Arctic and alpine areas are warming much faster than the rest of the earth, but knowledge about how ecosystems in these areas are affected by climate change remains limited. The overall project goal is to investigate how Arctic area warming impacts plant communities in tundra ecosystems. In the current sub-project, we work with controlled experiments in the plant cultivation section at Natrium. We study how local adaptation to temperature conditions and other environmental factors affects Arctic plants' ability to respond to changing climate conditions. The project has connections to field experiments in Latnjajaure in northern Sweden and the international tundra experiment ITEX.
We are a large, active, and friendly research group. Currently, we have two research leaders, two research engineers, three postdoctoral researchers, six doctoral students, two research assistants, and three master's students. Here, you will gain experience with various methods used in plant ecology and learn more about planning and implementing plant ecological research work.
Work Tasks
The student employee will work on the project, which includes seed cleaning and counting, sowing, care and replanting of seedlings, and ongoing documentation of the work. Specific subject areas with particular relevance to the project are ecology, plant ecology, or plant ecophysiology.
Qualifications
We are looking for someone studying full-time in the biology program, environmental science program, or equivalent at undergraduate or advanced levels. You should have completed approved studies corresponding to at least 60 higher education credits and not yet begun doctoral studies. You have good knowledge of Swedish and English, both spoken and written.
Meritorious for the position are studies in ecology, plant ecology, or plant ecophysiology and experience with fine motor laboratory work, such as from practical course elements or internships.
This position suits you who are detail-oriented, enjoy practical tasks, and thrive working both independently and collaboratively. To succeed in the role, you need good communication skills and the ability to keep well-organized and clear notes. You should be able to follow instructions like laboratory protocols correctly and perform routine tasks while maintaining accuracy. You need basic computer skills, including knowledge of Excel or similar spreadsheet programs. Experience with plant cultivation is desirable but not required. We believe that, like us, you have a strong commitment to research and understand the importance of correct sample and data handling.
Employment
This is a time-limited position from January 19 to June 7, with a maximum scope of 25%. Start date: January 19, or later by agreement. The highest-ranked applicants will be invited to an interview that may be conducted in English via Zoom or in-person.
Application should preferably be written in English and include:
• A personal letter describing your experiences and how you meet the criteria stated in the advertisement
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Extract of completed higher education credits
Contact Information:
Karin Johansson, Research Engineer
Tel. 031-786 48 47
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.edge-ecology.com
Åsa Arrhenius, Department Head
Tel. +46 31 786 26 25
Email:
[email protected]
Application
To apply for a position at the University of