PhD student - Aquatic Microbial Ecology and Biogeochemistry

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment
The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment (www.slu.se/aquatic-sciences) is working with applied environmental science, with a national responsibility for assessing the condition of Swedish surface waters with respect to water chemistry, pollution and aquatic biota. The department has some 130 employees. The research focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, as well as on aquatic ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry. The department is part of a Soil-Water-Environment cluster, a competence centre for landscape-level processes that also includes the Departments of ‘Soil and Environment’ and ‘Energy and Technology’. The breadth of expertise among the 300 members in combination with a well-equipped infrastructure creates a unique platform for high quality research as well as environmental monitoring and assessment.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Effects of declining sulfur deposition on methane cycling in lakes
Research subject: Biology with specialisation in Ecology
Description:
The PhD candidate  will study methane turnover in inland waters and how environmental change affect the production and degradation of this potent greenhouse gas as well as associated methane emissions to the atmosphere. The project includes both field studies and controlled laboratory experiments where we investigate in detail how different groups of microorganisms and their metabolic processes are affected by climate and changing anthropogenic pressure. We will particularly study the importance of reduced sulfur deposition for methane metabolism.

As a PhD student, you will be part of a dynamic and active research group in functional microbial ecology and participate in collaborations with other research groups in aquatic biogeochemistry, e.g. at Linköping university.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have a master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, environmental science or a related field. Relevant experience and competence in biogeochemistry, aquatic ecology, microbiology and analytical chemistry will be considered as merits. Documented experience of previous laboratory work is a requirement and the same applies to the ability to communicate in written and spoken English. Other qualifications that will strengthen your application are experience in fieldwork, data management and analysis (e.g. statistics, bioinformatics and modelling) and communication skills. The person we are looking for must be able to collaborate but at the same time be able to work independently when necessary.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Starting date:
2023-05-01 or according to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-03-10.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, a list of any publications (articles, thesis, reports), copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se