Jobs:Job-00904

Phd student, Hydrological extremes and wetland restoration

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, , Sweden
Apply before: 1 April 2019

Posting: Position: PhD opportunity Apply before: 1 April 2019 Apply online: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=2005&rmlang=UK

Restoration of drained wetlands to more pristine conditions is considered as one of the most important strategies to avoid catastrophic effects of extreme weather. This includes avoiding both flooding during large precipitation events and streams from drying out during droughts. However, the science underpinning this strategy is largely missing. To overcome this lack of scientific arguments and to close the gap between science and management, we will utilize a unique collection of hydrological field observations and modelling to address the question whether restored wetlands are more effective in mitigating both flooding events and low flow conditions than leaving historically drained wetlands as they are.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to evaluate the effects of wetland restoration as a tool to mitigate runoff extremes. To do this, we will take full advantage of one of the most advanced field research infrastructures, the Krycklan Catchment Study (KCS, www.slu.se/Krycklan), which includes a large wetland restoration project called GRIP-on-LIFE. By combining a state-of-the-art methodology for estimating water storage and release dynamics, we will evaluate and compare the role of pristine wetlands without drainage, historically drained wetlands carried out in the 1930s to improve forest productivity, newly ditched-cleaned wetlands for forestry production and, recently restored wetlands. The work will involve intensive spring/summer/autumn fieldwork about an hour drive north of Umeå, Sweden, and periods of hydrological modelling.

The PhD student should start in May of 2019, but starting date is flexible for the right candidate. This position is fully funded for four years with the expectation that the candidate will complete a PhD-degree at the end of this time. There may be potential to extend the length of the PhD contract with teaching, but the successful candidate is expected to be primarily researched based. The PhD student will be under the supervision of Hjalmar Laudon, at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, SLU in Umeå, Sweden, Kevin Bishop, SLU in Uppsala and Jan Seibert, University of Zurich, Switzerland and will work closely within an international group of researchers with diverse expertise.

See for more information: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=2005&rmlang=UK

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Of interest for:

Hydrology Focus Research Group

Ecosystem Dynamics Focus Research Group