PhD Position in Aquatic Ecology

Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua)

Third-cycle subject area

Biology

Duties and Responsibilities

A PhD position in Biology is now open at the Department of Aquatic Resources at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The PhD project is part of a larger research research project focusing on the distribution and effects of algal toxins in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is one of the world’s most vulnerable marine ecosystems, where climate change, eutrophication, and other anthropogenic pressures interact and affect ecosystem functioning. At the same time, several fish species show signs of impaired health and declining populations, although the underlying causes remain insufficiently understood. Naturally occurring algal toxins produced by cyanobacteria and filamentous algae have been identified as a potentially important but so far underestimated stressor in these ecosystems.

The PhD project will primarily focus on how algal toxins affect fish physiology, reproduction, and population dynamics in the Baltic Sea, using a combination of field studies and controlled experiments. The successful candidate will ) plan and conduct field studies in coastal ecosystems, 2) carry out aquarium experiments focusing on fish, primarily European perch (Perca fluviatilis), 3) perform sampling, laboratory analyses, and data processing, 4) analyze data using statistical methods and contribute to scientific publications

The project integrates ecology, ecotoxicology, and fish biology, and will be conducted in close collaboration with ongoing environmental monitoring and research programs at SLU.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should be collaborative, highly motivated, and have a strong interest in aquatic ecology, particularly fish ecology and Baltic Sea ecosystems. To be eligible for the position, applicants must hold a second-cycle degree (e.g. MSc or equivalent) in aquatic ecology, fish biology, or another relevant field. As scientific publishing and communication within the project will be conducted in English, excellent written and spoken English skills are required.

Required qualifications:

• A second-cycle degree (e.g. MSc or equivalent) in aquatic ecology, limnology, or another relevant subject area
• A genuine interest in research and in developing as an independent researcher
• Excellent collaborative and organisational skills
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English

Qualifications considered a merit:

• Good knowledge of fish ecology
• Experience of field studies and ecological surveys
• Experience with data management and statistical analyses
• Experience of scientific writing
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to demonstrate independently conducted scientific work of high quality

Qualifications specifically considered a merit:

• Personal qualities relevant to the position, such as strong organisational skills, initiative, good planning ability, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Experience of fieldwork in aquatic environments, as well as experience with aquarium experiments or other work involving fish

About us

At the Department of Aquatic Resources, we are engaged in marine monitoring, management advice, research and education in aquatic ecology with a focus on fish and shellfish. The department is the largest department at SLU with about 180 employees at four main offices (Uppsala, Lysekil, Öregrund and Stockholm) and four research stations. Welcome to visit us at www.slu.se/aquaticresources!

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment / Funding
Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme) // Other funding

Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location:
Drottningholm

Scope:
100%

Start date:
Upon agreement, fall 2026

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 29th June 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

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

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.