Postdoc in shrub expansion in Subarctic tundra

A 2-year postdoctoral fellowship (with possible extension of 1 additional year) is available from May 1, 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter in the Terrestrial Ecology Section within the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen.

The position is available in a project assessing the role of shrubs as drivers of ecosystem changes   in the Subarctic. In this project, we conduct field and laboratory analyses in order to get a better understanding of the role of low shrubs in vegetation changes, nitrogen cycling and carbon sequestration in subarctic ecosystems. The host research group focuses on Plant Physiological Ecology & Biogeochemistry and it is led by Professor Anders Michelsen at University of Copenhagen. The work includes field visits to long-term experimental sites near Abisko in Northern Sweden, and collaboration with Associate Research Prof. Matteo Campioli at University of Antwerpen.  

Project overview

The project is aimed at studying plant responses to long-term experimental warming in Subarctic tundra heath ecosystems, including biomass changes and impacts on plant nitrogen uptake and primary and secondary growth.

Subarctic heaths are one of the ecosystem types most affected by the ongoing climatic changes, showing large biotic changes such as shrubification. Both evergreen and deciduous shrubs are expanding and will likely dominate future dry heaths in subarctic Scandinavia. Shrubs have an important role as ecosystem engineers, linked to shrub dominance patterns and performance. We will reveal 1) evergreen and deciduous shrub biomass and nitrogen (N) pool responses in subarctic tundra ecosystems influenced by experimental summer warming for one, two or three decades; 2) primary and secondary growth by dominant shrubs in the same control and warmed plots, and 3) the shrub N uptake in spring and summer in these experiments using an isotope labelled amino acid. The aim is to improve our fundamental understanding of shrub expansion, interactions with soil processes and significance for climate feedbacks in a future warmer Subarctic. The experimental setup is unique in terms of time span and potential for comparing responses at multiple time points at the same site, and at multiple sites with similar vegetation, on a decadal time scale.

The project relies on established long-term field experiments in Abisko, Northern Sweden. The project will combine field-based sampling of plants and soil, analysis of plant trait responses, labelling with stable isotopes, biogeochemical analyses including assessment of soil nutrient availability, microbial biomass and soil carbon stocks, and with analyses of carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition and plant primary and secondary growth as additional tools. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing independent research within the scientific area of the project, in close collaboration with host and the external partner. This includes data and sample collection in field experiments, processing and interpretation as well as writing scientific publications. The candidate should be willing to perform field work in subarctic N. Sweden (Abisko) alone and with host and collaborators (shorter periods for up to 1½ months in total per year in spring and summer is necessary; longer periods negotiable), with research visits at University of Antwerpen, and laboratory work (assisted by lab technician) in Copenhagen where the post doc is based.

Qualifications

We are looking for an ambitious, creative, and highly motivated candidate with a PhD in plant ecology, biology, biogeochemistry, or a related field. Solid experience with both field work and data analysis/statistics are expected. Fluency in written and spoken English is a requirement, as well as excellent writing skills demonstrated by the publication record. A successful candidate also has some experience with analyses of plant traits, ecosystem responses and/or biogeochemical responses to environmental changes. Although the candidate must be able to work independently, good interpersonal skills are also needed.

Procedures and shortlisting

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether an expert committee will assess their application. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee, and the time schedule of an interview (around mid March). Each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. The Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the assessment committee, will make the final selection of the successful candidate.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

Place of employment and principal place of work
University of Copenhagen, Department of Biology, Terrestrial Ecology Section, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen.

Terms of employment
The position is from May 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Employment period is 2 years, with possible extension for 1 additional year.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39,237 DKK/approx. 5,252 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Further information can be obtained from Prof. Anders Michelsen (e-mail: andersm@bio.ku.dk).

How to apply
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY FOR POSITION below.

Please Include:

• A cover letter including (i) statement of research interests, (ii) reasons for applying to this position and (iii) few selected concrete proposals/ideas for possible novel and relevant research work within the topics of the project (max. 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
• Copy of the PhD diploma or documentation for planned PhD defense
• Separate reprints uploads of 3 particularly relevant papers, and upload or link to PhD thesis
• Max. 2 letters of reference

Deadline for application is March 1, 2026 at 23:59 GMT +1. Applications received after the deadline, not using the online application form, or not including the required documents will not be considered.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.