PhD Candidate on impacts of nitrogen deposition on tree-soil relations

Are you fascinated by how nitrogen deposition and soil processes shape forest health under environmental stressors? Join our interdisciplinary research project at the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) as a PhD candidate investigating the impacts of nitrogen deposition and soil acidification on microbial communities and forest vitality. You will explore how changes in soil microbial diversity affect tree growth, survival, and drought sensitivity in weakly buffered forest ecosystems.

Your job
Nitrogen deposition in the Netherlands leads to an accumulation of nitrogen compounds in the soil and, in forest areas with weakly buffering soils, to soil acidification. This acidification causes shifts in the uptake capacity of soil minerals, which limits the growth and survival of vegetation. In such weakly buffered systems eutrophication and acidification may additionally interact with the drought sensitivity of tree species, which are becoming more severe due to climate change and resulting in increased forest mortality. Increased tree mortality might be the result of deteriorating microbial (soil) communities that are also affected by these stress factors and this may lead to shifts in microbial species composition and ultimately reducing soil’s water-holding capacity. The spatial distributions of such soil communities, the changes in (functional) diversity of these soil communities in relation to nitrogen deposition and acidification, and their relationships with forest vitality are still largely unknown. In this project you will:

• Study the extent to which nitrogen deposition and soil acidification alter microbial communities in the soil and the effects changes in soil microbial communities have on forest stands (growth and survival);
• You will carry out field work in nitrogen deposition gradients in forests from sandy soils in the Netherlands and abroad;
• During field work carry out soil sampling and tree growth measurements using dendrometers;
• Carry out laboratory experiments on collected forest soils by studying genetic (PCR) analyses, phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analyses, microbial biomass, soil carbon, respiration and enzymatic activities.

The project is embedded in a larger nitrogen deposition project in which spatial and temporal patterns in nitrogen deposition and air concentrations are measured and modelled

• A position for one year, extended to four years upon a positive evaluation in the first year;
• a working week of 32-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 in case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

For more information, please contact dr. René Verburg at r.w.verburg@uu.nl, dr. Daniel Martins Figueiredo at d.m.figueiredo@uu.nl or Professor Roel Vermeulen r.c.h.vermeulen@uu.nl.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.