Job: PhD position on plant-soil interactions in mountain grasslands, Irstea, Grenoble

The team "Agro-ecology and ecological restoration of subalpine and alpine ecosystems" of the Research Unit Mountain Ecosystems at Irstea in Grenoble is offering a position for a PhD student. The research of the team focuses on the functioning of mountain ecosystems and associated ecosystem services. We are particularly interested in the dynamics of these ecosystems and the interactions between certain of its components and pastoral practices, recreational use and climate change.

As part of this thesis the candidate will explore the consequences of two aspects of climate change (higher frequency in drought recurrence and increased temperature) on the interactions between plants and soil with a particular attention on the relationship between plants and mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). However, there is a trade-off between positive (higher temperature increases mycorrhizal hyphae length and thus soil volume explored by AMF) and negative effects (increased drought frequency reduces AMF colonization rates of roots) due to climate change. Following these changes, it may be that the interactions between plants and AMF slide towards the parasitic part of the mutualism-parasitism continuum and primary production of mountain grasslands will be reduced accordingly.

The successful candidate should hold a master or diploma degree in biology, ecology or similar with a good knowledge of terrestrial ecology and plant-soil interactions. Practical experience in plant ecology, functional ecology, statistical analysis, analysis of vegetation and soil are an advantage. You should have a good knowledge of written and spoken English. Knowledge of French is an advantage, but not necessary. You should be dynamic and motivated for field work under sometimes difficult conditions, laboratory work and office work. Driving license is required. The work place will be Grenoble, France. The position is funded for 3 years, and the target start date is November 2012 (negotiable).

To apply: Please email before 20^th May 2012 as a single electronic document (pdf) with the subject line "PhD PROMYCO"  a cover letter including a short statement of research interests, your CV, contact details of three people willing to provide a recommendation, a concise description of your master work and if available a list of publications to: Dr. Thomas Spiegelberger – thomas.spiegelberger@irstea.fr – 00 33 4 76 76 28 19.