Catchment Biogeochemistry Specialist

The Department of Soil and Environment at SLU is a leading research institution in soil science, and we are seeking an independent and motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct experimental and modelling work in the project 'Retention-irrigation system to reduce negative impacts of climate change in agricultural landscapes.'

The successful candidate will be responsible for determining how changes in precipitation patterns modify processes and microorganisms controlling nutrient accumulation and loss in soils. They will also measure whether nutrient losses to streams (nitrate and phosphate) and air (nitrous oxide) are higher for non-irrigated than irrigated fields.

In addition, the researcher will predict the ability of retention-irrigation systems to mitigate effects of future drought and flooding, and nutrient losses in agricultural catchments. The work will involve field and laboratory measurements of nutrient transformations and losses, measurements of hydrology and water quality, and hydrochemical modelling of the effect of droughts and flooding on current and future nutrient losses in three study catchments in Sweden.

The researcher will work in collaboration with the project team, consisting of researchers with expertise in hydrology, biogeochemical cycling, and microbial ecology. A PhD degree in environmental sciences or a related field with a good understanding of soil and aquatic ecosystems, biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, and human impacts on hydrology and water quality is required.

Previous experience with hydrological and water quality measurements is necessary, and practical experience with high-frequency water quality monitoring will be particularly useful. A solid background in statistical data analysis and previous experience with catchment hydrochemical modelling are merits. Excellent English skills, both in speaking and writing, are mandatory, and good communication skills will be useful when contacting catchment stakeholders during study visits.