A full time PhD position is available within the project Importance of protected area networks for declining and threatened forest species – IPA. You will study the importance of networks of protected areas and the structure of their surrounding landscape for the occurrence and persistence of the declining grey-sided vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus) and the near threatened epiphytic lichen lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria). The project is expected to contribute with important information to help sustaining biodiversity in boreal forest ecosystems.

PhD students normally spend 90% of the year to their studies/research, also taking part in other work at the department, doing 10% teaching (or administrative duties); the position will then last for 4 years and 5 months.

The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chapters 5 and 7). Prerequisites include either i) 240 ECTScredits (swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (swe. poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS-credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007. In addition to these general requirements, 120 ECTS credits of these need to be in biolgy Documented experience in population ecology, landscape ecology, geographic information systems (GIS) and statistics are meriting. You should have an interest in spatial ecology and in combining basic and applied research, and be able to work independently and to take own initiatives. Proficiency in both written and spoken English and a driving license are required.

The application should include a letter of interest in research and in the current project (1 page), CV, copy of the MSc-thesis and of any publications. A letter of recommendation from three persons should preferably also be provided, otherwise updated contact information for three reference persons.

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Birger Hörnfeldt, +46-(0)90-14 09 07, birger.hornfeldt@emg.umu.se, or Assistant Professor Frauke Ecke, +46 (0)18-67 31 29, frauke.ecke@vatten.slu.se.

For information on our research, see also: www.emg.umu.se/projects/hornfeldt/index.html and www.ma.slu.se/ShowPage.cfm?OrgenhetSida_ID=10179.

Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65, SEKO civil, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled.

Your complete application, marked with reference number 313-185-09, should be sent to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive April 29, 2009 at the latest.