PhD candidate, Ecology of plant-soil interactions in forests
Leiden University
Nonprofit organization, Browse similar opportunities
en
Nonprofit organization, Browse similar opportunities
Vacancy number 21-018
Function type PhD positions
Hours (in fte) 1.0
External/ internal External
Location Leiden
Placed on 19 January 2021
Closing date 10 February 2021
The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a
PhD candidate, Ecology of plant-soil interactions in forests
Key responsibilities
You will participate in the project: “Silva Nova – Restoring soil biology and soil functions to gain multiple benefits in new forests”. In this consortium project, together with other PhD students and postdocs from IBL, University of Copenhagen Denmark and University of Tartu, Estonia, you will study how soil transplantation can be used to restore soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in newly planted forests. You will study soil biodiversity in forests of different ages and will carry out mesocosm experiments in climate chambers and outdoors, to study specific interactions between tree saplings, soil organisms (e.g. mycorrhiza, pathogenic fungi. Mites, collembola or microarthropods) endophytes and aboveground insects, You will use ecological and molecular methods to study soil and plant diversity in forests.
Selection criteria
Our organisation
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2300 staff and almost 5000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together. For more information, see the website of the Faculty of Science.
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.
Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2.395,- to € 3.061,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Martijn Bezemer, email t.m.bezemer@biology.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Sylvia Maas, email jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl.
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to jobs@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
Only applications received no later than 10 February, 2021 can be considered. We are looking for candidates that can start on short notice, preferably before the summer.
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