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Peatlands store vast amounts of carbon – twice as much as all the world’s forests. However, rapid climate change is affecting this storage function. As a PhD Candidate, you will focus on how the climate and environment affect plant-soil biotic interactions in peatlands. Your research can further highlight the importance of protecting these areas and their vital role as a natural carbon sink.
Metre by metre, peatlands store more carbon (C) than any other terrestrial ecosystem. The rapidly changing climate is, however, affecting the C storing function of peatlands. Peatland carbon dynamics pivot around processes - primarily production and decomposition - that are modulated by above- and belowground biotic communities. While the importance of links between plant and soil biotic communities on ecosystem processes is recognised, little is known about the role of these links in maintaining key ecosystem processes. Moreover, our recent work shows that plant and microbial communities do not respond in parallel to changes in enviro-climatic conditions, resulting in a rewiring of plant-soil biotic networks. How such rewiring plays out on C dynamics remains unresolved.We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated candidate ecologist with a strong and proven interest in community ecology, microbial ecology and/or ecosystems ecology. You should hold or be about to complete an MSc degree (or equivalent) in ecology, microbiology, environmental sciences, or a related field. The ideal candidate is pro-active, results-oriented with attention to detail, and performs well in large teams. We specifically look for a person with an appetite for field work -often remote- in natural or semi-natural peatlands across Europe; a driving licence is required to be able to travel to field sites. Some basic knowledge about peatland vegetation would be favourable. Previous experience with molecular techniques (DNA extractions, sequencing), and soil functional analyses (GHG measurements, MicroRespTM) is preferred. You must be proficient in communication in written and verbal English. The following additional skills will be advantageous: good statistical skills; expertise in statistical modelling in the context of ecological network data; a good command of an open-source programming language (R, Python), or the willingness to learn such a language. Our group is dedicated to FAIR data policies, and we expect PhD candidates to familiarise themselves with FAIR data management and coding during their PhD.
Radboud University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse and inclusive community that collectively supports and implements our mission to do great science. We welcome, recruit, develop and advance talented people from diverse genders and backgrounds.
Fixed-term contract: 4 or 5 years.
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