MSCA FutureForests Doctoral Network - Researcher in Impacts of increasing N deposition on ecosy[]

Offer Description Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Bologna, DISTAL (Italy) focuses on Impacts of increasing nitrogen deposition on ecosystem N retention and productivity of a mature beech forest. The experimental site in Cansiglio is a eutrophic mature beech forest, where the atmospheric nitrogen deposition has been above the critical loads for nitrogen for decades. Here a manipulation experiment has been active since 2015, including both below and above canopy nitrogen misting. Key objectives of this studentship are to investigate how the simulated increase in nitrogen deposition is affecting forest productivity and whether it is altering ecosystem nitrogen dynamics. Main questions are: Does the extra nitrogen alter the balance between nitrogen retention and loss from the ecosystem? Can we detect signs of nitrogen saturation and how this affects tree growth, water-use efficiency and ecosystem productivity? Can we detect differences between the two manipulative approaches (below vs. above canopy fertilization) in terms of ecosystem nitrogen dynamics and tree responses? The PhD student will combine natural 15N abundance and 15N tracer experiment across the forest profile (year 1) with dendroecological measurements (including d13C in tree rings) and quantification of above ground productivity (year 2). The PhD student will be visiting the WSL in Switzerland (2 months) and the University of Birmingham in the UK (2 months) to get training on 15N applications and novel techniques to assess soil N losses; moreover, he/she will second at the Environmental Protection Agency of Aosta Valley to get training on linking science and policy and outreach technique. We are looking for a candidate with a master's degree in environmental science, Forestry Science, Biology or a related field, and with a strong background in forest ecology, biogeochemistry, plant physiology, and stable isotopes ecology. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication skills, self-motivation, an aptitude for field research and a commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research Where to apply E-mail r.guerrieri@unibo.it Requirements Research Field All Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Forestry Science, Biology, Environmental Biotechnolog, or a related field, and with a strong background in forest ecology, Biogeochemistry, environment microbiology, bioinformatics. Languages ENGLISH Level Good Additional Information Full employment contract (Incarico di Ricerca) with competitive salary for three years and enrollment in the doctoral program of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Science and Technology. The monthly gross salary will be composed by: Living allowance:€ 3,821.53 mobility allowance (€710/month), and family allowance if applicable (€660/month) Access to state-of-the-art forest manipulation facilities, laboratories and expert supervision. International secondments and training events. Eligibility criteria Must not have a doctoral degree (PhD) by the recruitment date Should comply with the MSCA mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organization for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date (Jan 2025). Can be of any nationality Must hold a Master’s degree by the start date (October 31st 2025). Must have been obtained a Master’s degree within 6 year from the date of recruitment Good English proficiency and writing skills Be available to start full time from January 2026 Selection process Our selection procedure is open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable, in line with the MSCA Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers ( link ). The selection procedure will consist of the following steps: Eligibility check: The Recruitment Committee in each institution will check each application is complete and that applicants fulfil the eligibility criteria described in the previous section. Remote Evaluation: Each eligible application will be evaluated independently by the main and co-supervisors of each institution, a co-supervisor from the associated partner and member of the doctoral supervisory board of FutureForests network. Online interviews: The selection panel will include main and co-supervisors at host institutions, a supervisor from the Associated Partner involved in the DR supervision (also acting as non-academic expert) and FutureForests Coordinator. Gender balance should be ensured and in cases where there are male supervisors, then female beneficiaries from across the FutureForests network will be requested to join the panel. The short-listed candidates will be interviewed by a Doctoral Recruitment Committee that will include the recruiting Principal Investigators. Selection committees will bring together diverse expertise and competencies and have an adequate gender balance. Work Location(s) Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences - ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna Country Italy City Bologna Postal Code 40127 Street Viale Fanin 40-50 Geofield J-18808-Ljbffr

Location: Italia, IT

Posted Date: 9/17/2025