PhD Student in Arctic Freshwater Ecology at Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) – Sweden

Summary

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a four‑year full‑time PhD position in Arctic freshwater ecology within the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, located in Uppsala, Sweden. The project investigates how climate‑driven changes in vegetation and winter conditions affect lake habitats, biofilm communities, and food‑web dynamics, using field surveys, biomarker analyses, and Bayesian mixing models. Candidates must hold a master’s degree in a relevant field, possess strong statistical and English communication skills, and have a valid Swedish driver’s licence. The position offers a salary set by the local collective agreement and follows the university’s inclusive work environment policies.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment
Position Type	Doctoral Student (4-year programme)
Discipline	Biological sciences
Research Area	Arctic freshwater ecology
Degree Required	Master's degree (second-cycle qualification) or equivalent
Salary	Doctoral student's salaries are set following the local collective agreement
Funding	Not funded by an EU programme
Contract Duration	4-year programme
Language	English (Upper-Intermediate)
Deadline	2026-10-12
Required Documents	CV, Cover letter, Degree certificates and transcripts, Names and contact information for references, Other supporting documents as specified

About the Project

The PhD project aims to understand how climate‑induced shifts in vegetation cover and winter conditions influence oligotrophication, benthic biofilm communities, and the production of health‑promoting polyunsaturated fatty acids versus harmful cyanotoxins in Arctic/alpine lakes. By conducting seasonal field sampling and laboratory analyses, the research will assess impacts on food‑web structure, consumer diets, and energy pathways, integrating new and existing data through Bayesian mixing models.

Key Responsibilities

• Seasonal sampling of food‑web components during summer and under‑ice periods
• Laboratory analysis of PUFA and cyanotoxins using chromatographic techniques
• Integration of fatty‑acid, cyanotoxin and stable‑isotope data
• Application of Bayesian mixing models to infer consumer diets and food‑web pathways
• Collaboration with an international consortium of Nordic and North‑American partners

Required Skills

• Strong statistical analysis skills
• Experience in scientific publication
• Strong written and spoken English
• Valid driver’s licence for use in Sweden
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities
• Capacity to work independently and in a team

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in aquatic ecology, limnology, ecology or a related discipline, strong statistical analysis skills, experience in scientific publishing, and proficiency in English (Upper‑Intermediate) are encouraged to apply. A valid Swedish driver’s licence, ability to work independently and in teams, and interest in winter sampling of Arctic lakes are also required. Fluency in Swedish and prior experience with biomarker analysis or Arctic ecology are advantageous.

About the Employer

The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment at SLU conducts applied environmental research on Swedish surface waters, focusing on geochemical processes, aquatic ecology, microbial ecology, and ecotoxicology. SLU, Sweden’s University of Agricultural Sciences, employs around 4,000 staff and 6,000 students across campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, and emphasizes inclusivity, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

12 October 2026

Is the position funded by an EU programme?

No, it is not funded by an EU programme; salary follows the local collective agreement.

What documents must be submitted with the application?

CV, cover letter, degree certificates and transcripts, names and contact information for references, and any other supporting documents specified.

What is the duration of the contract?

It is a four‑year doctoral programme.

Where is the position located?

Uppsala, Sweden