2 year Postdoc position in “Afforestation of post-agricultural soils: impacts on above- and belowground biodiversity and its drivers”

The Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen is looking to recruit a talented postdoctoral researcher to work on afforestation of post-agricultural soils: impacts on above- and belowground biodiversity and its drivers. 

Further information on the Department is linked at https://www.science.ku.dk/english/about-the-faculty/organisation/. Inquiries about the position can be made to Prof. Per Gundersen.

The position is open from 1 March 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Project Description

The position is available to join the “Silva Nova project - Restoring soil biology and soil functions to gain multiple benefits in new forests”, funded by the Novo Nordisk Challenge Program https://ign.ku.dk/english/silvanova/.

Planting new forests is proposed as an effective solution to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises. However, the agricultural legacy can constrain the development of forest-adapted species and delay environmental benefits from afforestation. Silva Nova aims to provide new perspectives on the restoration of post-agricultural forest soils to accelerate the development of new forests into a more natural state.

Job Description

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to bridge two key work packages (WP1 and WP3) within our project. The focal areas include:

1. Temporal and Spatial Development: investigating the development of forest-adapted flora, soil fauna, and microbiomes following the afforestation of former agricultural soils, with an emphasis on understanding abiotic and biotic constraints (WP1 – exploratory phase).
2. Field-Scale Experiments: testing the impact of soil inoculation on biodiversity and biomass production in newly established forests through large-scale field experiments (WP3).

The successful candidate will analyze soil microbiome data collected during the exploratory phase, evaluating temporal biodiversity trends (e.g., soil microbiome and fauna diversity and community composition). Additionally, the candidate will play a key role in the planning and establishment of a large field-scale afforestation experiment in Spring 2025, contributing innovative ideas and concepts to advance the project’s objectives.

Profile

We are looking for a highly skilled, self-driven, positive, and collaborative scientist with the following competences and qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Microbiology, or related fields.
• Experience with analysis and synthesis of biodiversity data (e.g. soil fauna and microbiome).
• Experience with fieldwork (e.g. soil sampling, vegetation analyses).
• Strong statistical analysis skills.
• Excellent English skills including conference presentations and scientific writing.
• Previous experience in teaching at MSc. level is an advantage as the postdoc’s duties will include a limited amount of teaching activities.

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

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include

• Motivation letter (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)
• Research plan – description of current and future research plans (max. 2 pages)
• Complete publication list
• DOI links to 3 particularly relevant papers

The deadline for applications is 12-01-2025, 23:59 GMT +1.

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

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

Interviews will be held during the weeks 6 – 7