MSCA FutureForests Doctoral Network - Researcher in nitrogen deposition impacts on forest biodi[]

Offer Description This Doctoral Researcher position at the University of Bologna, DISTAL (Italy) focuses on nitrogen deposition impacts on forest biodiversity (including forest microbiome). 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 : The project aims at providing a holistic assessment on whether and how simulated increase in nitrogen deposition on a beech forest alters richness and functional diversity of understory vegetation and forest microbiomes (including both phyllosphere and rhizosphere). Can we observe a difference between canopy and soil fertilisation in the understory vegetation and microbial community structures and functional profiles? Are microbial functions associated with soil nitrogen losses more abundant in soil vs. above canopy fertilisation? To answer these questions, the PhD will be considering a multidisciplinary approach combining understory vegetation surveys and functional characterization, with microbial DNA/RNA 16S and ITS sequencing analyses. The PhD will be collaborating closely to the other PhD student hired within FutureForests, focusing on biogeochemical and ecophysiological processes. The PhD will have the opportunity to visit the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (where a novel manipulation experiment is currently carried out, simulating an increase in ammonia deposition via ammonia fumigation in a forest) and the Hellenic Agricultural Organization Dimitra - Forest Research Institute (Greece) for conducting research on soil microbiome; moreover he/she will second to Ente di gestione per Parchi e la Biodiversità - Romagna (Italy) for 1 month to learn about forest management for biodiversity conservation in regional park. We are looking for a candidate with a master's degree in environmental science, Forestry Science, Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, or a related field, and with a strong background in forest ecology, Biogeochemistry, environment microbiology, bioinformatics. 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 Skills/Qualifications Forestry Science, Biology, Environmental Biotechnolog, or a related field, and with a strong background in forest ecology, Biogeochemistry, environment microbiology, bioinformatics. Specific Requirements 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. 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. 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. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. Work Location(s) Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences - ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna Country Italy State/Province Bologna City Bologna Postal Code 40127 Street Viale Fanin 40-50 Geofield J-18808-Ljbffr

Location: Italia, IT

Posted Date: 9/17/2025