PhD position in biology, specialisation in aquatic ecology

Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua)

 Third-cycle subject area

Biology

Description of the doctoral project

A PhD position in biology is available at the Department of Aquatic Resources at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU Aqua). The theme of the project is on management and conservation of critically endangered fishes, focusing on Anguillid eels. Restocking or reintroduction of juvenile eel is a widespread management tool used to compensate for population decline or loss, but the effects are poorly understood. The focus of this project is to answer some of the knowledge gaps through laboratory experiments, field studies, analysis of long-term data, and systematic mapping. The main questions that will be addressed are:

 

• What are the behavioural and physiological differences between naturally recruited and imported European eel?
• What are the differences in migratory behaviour and mortality between naturally recruited and imported European eel?
• What are the long-term effects of restocking in natural freshwater and coastal ecosystems?
• In addition, this project aims to produce a systematic evidence map and open database on restocking of European and Japanese eel.

About the position

The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, including development of the PhD student's methodological, theoretical, analytical, writing, and presentation skills. The PhD student will conduct experiments in the lab and field on live animals, including handling and maintenance of eels, behavioural and physiological experiments, tagging and tracking and more. The work will be done at SLU Aqua in Stockholm, at the field station Kristineberg, and at field sites for tracking of migratory behaviour.

The position includes close collaboration with Professor Fredrik Jutfelt, University of Gothenburg, and Professor Anders Nilsson, Lund University. Including possibilities for collaboration with a large network of researchers in Europe, Australia and Canada.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in biology. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have at least 90 HEC in biology-related subjects. This must include a degree project, and at least 30 HEC must be at second-cycle level.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Your profile

• Experience with animal experiments and/or fieldwork.
• Fish experience is a plus but not a requirement.
• Experience with relevant practical and statistical methods.
• Experience with independent writing.
• Experience with systematic mapping is meriting but not a requirement.
• Experience with analysis of large, long-term datasets is meriting but not a requirement.
• Good ability to collaborate.
• Ability to contribute to a good working climate.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• Driver’s licence is meriting for the field studies.
• Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for independent work.

About us

At the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) we are passionate about conservation and sustainable management of aquatic animals, including fish. We are geographically distributed across Sweden, and this PhD position will be based in Stockholm at the Institute of Freshwater Research, beautifully situated on the countryside on the island of Lovön right by lake Mälaren at Drottningholm. We offer:

• an excellent and professionally stimulating working environment with dedicated colleagues
• access to a broad international network of scientists
• salary as PhD research fellow in the state salary scale
• good welfare benefits

Read more about SLU Aqua: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/aquatic-resources/

 

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

 

Read more about PhD courses and PhD study programmes: https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

Location:

Drottningholm, Stockholm

Form of employment and salary

Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme)

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

Scope:

100%

Start date:

2026-09-01, or upon agreement.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 06 July 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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.

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.