Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biology programme. The position is available from May 2025 or later.
Title:
Impact of Wild Horses on Fire Dynamics and Ecosystem Functionality in a Novel Ecosystem
Research area and project description:
This PhD project is part of the newly established Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO), funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. ECONOVO aims to provide new perspectives on widely emerging ecological novelty and seek out strategies for how to steer towards the most positive outcomes for the biosphere. Novel ecosystems (NEs) have species compositions and/or abiotic conditions without historical precedent and are assembling rapidly around the world. By the late 21st century, most of Earth’s ecosystems are expected to be NEs. Key drivers are climate and atmospheric change, globalization and transportation of organisms, and extirpation of large-sized organisms. The spread of NEs is likely to profoundly affect biosphere functioning, but how so is poorly understood. To address this complex theme, ECONOVO is taking an unparalleled, interdisciplinary approach, integrating Big Data and field-based ecology, satellite-based remote sensing, archaeology, paleoecology, and population genomics.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for a project that will form part of ECONOVO research theme 2: Complexity restoration.
The study will focus on the ecological impacts of wild horses on fire dynamics in the sagebrush ecosystems western North America, a shrub-dominated arid ecosystem that is being transformed into a grass-dominated system by a non-native grass species over very large areas. In this project, we aim to assess:
- how wild horse grazing and trampling influence the composition and structure of the grass layer (specifically focused on the expansion of the non-native grass, Bromus tectorum);
- the resultant flammability of the herbaceous layer;
- the consequent fire dynamics of the system; and
- the potential for wild horses in particular and large mammals in general to promote ecological functionality and contribute to ecosystem stability within increasingly novel ecosystems.
In this project we will employ a combination of large-scale approaches (using existing data on horse population dynamics and remote sensing data on fire dynamics) combined with detailed field studies in Nevada, USA. The field component will include vegetation surveys, detailed measurements of vegetation structure using terrestrial or drone-based LiDAR and measurements of productivity and recovery across gradients in horse population density and use. The project also aims to use experimental contrasts in horse impact using long-term exclosure experiments.
The project is embedded within ECONOVO and will require a high degree of collaboration with ECONOVO staff and external collaborators.
Please upload a project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
While the overall aims of the PhD project are outlined, the candidate is expected and encouraged to contribute ideas and together with the supervisors and collaborators develop the research based on previous work and initial findings.
Applicants must have a relevant MSc degree in ecology, biology or equivalent and have graduated before the application deadline. The start date for this position is aimed for 1 August 2025.
Applicants must have experience with quantitative ecological analyses and a strong willingness to further develop skills in spatial analyses and work with remote sensing data. Coding in R will be essential, and experience with this will be a strong advantage.
Experience with field-based ecology is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will have a sense of adventure and a desire to spend extended periods of time camping and doing fieldwork in beautiful but sometimes harsh environments. Fieldwork will require self-sufficiency, navigation on rugged 4wd roads, and will at times require solo camping, although supervisors and other students will join as often as possible.
The successful candidate is expected to be motivated and curious, have strong collaborative and organizational skills, have the potential to publish at a high international level, and have excellent command of English. International applicants who do not speak English as their first language must prove excellent English language writing skills and fluency.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is The place of employment and work is Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) and Section for Ecoinformatics & Biodiversity (ECOINF), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Jens-Christian Svenning, svenning@bio.au.dk
Assistant Professor Elizabeth le Roux eleroux@bio.au.dk
Dr Erick Lundgren erick.lundgren@gmail.com
Assistant Professor Robert Buitenwerf buitenwerf@bio.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 December 2024)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
