PhD position , Uncover How Microbial Respiration Shapes Carbon Storage in Soils

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

WIFORCE Research School

Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School!

Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/en/wiforce), was created. 

The PhD student  will be employed at The Department of Forest ecology and management. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future.

For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

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/

Name of research project/thesis:

Uncover How Microbial Respiration Shapes Carbon Storage in High-Latitude Soils

Research subject:

Soil Science

Description:

Are you fascinated by soil ecology, microbial physiology, stable isotopes, and global carbon cycling? Join us in a cutting-edge PhD project that aims to rethink one of the most fundamental assumptions in soil biogeochemistry: what truly drives microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in cold, nutrient-poor ecosystems?

Microbial CUE—the balance between carbon allocated to growth versus respiration—is the strongest planetary-scale predictor of soil carbon storage. Yet, we do not fully understand why soil microbes use soil substrates so inefficiently sometimes and seem to ‘waste’ energy. Our project will probe the mechanisms behind this energy wasting and explore how common it is in soils. In this PhD, you will conduct both controlled laboratory experiments and field experiments in high latitude regions. You will get an opportunity to learn about isotope tracing techniques and explore how soil microbes respond to environmental stress.

You will join a creative, supportive research environment with access to state-of-the-art isotopic and microbial facilities. If you are curious, motivated, and excited about redefining how we understand soil carbon cycling, we invite you to apply and help uncover a novel mechanism with the potential to reshape Earth-system models. 

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must meet the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in Environmental Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Soil science or any other related field
• A strong interest for microbial soil processes and an ability to conduct field work in remote places.
• A driving license valid in Sweden (required for accessing the field sites)

Merits:

Merits for this application includes one or several of the following:

1. Previous studies of microbial processes
2. Experiences with soil incubations
3. Experience with isotopic-labelling experiments, and relevant field data collection methods (e.g. chamber-based gas flux measurements, soil sampling etc)

Place of work:      

Umeå

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment as PhD student, full time for 4 years 

Starting date:

During spring 2026, but flexible according to agreement

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 2026-02-10. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The application should include:

• CV
• Cover letter describing yourself and your motivation for applying for this position
• Short (max one page) description of your scientific background, research interests and your match to the above mentioned qalifications 
• Copies of graduation degrees, or equivalent as well as other relevant certificates, e.g. English-language certificate if you did not do your previous studies in Sweden or in a native English speaking country (see here for more information on what is acceptable)  
• Name and contact information of two professional references.

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, 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: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, 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 https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

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.