Interdisciplinary PhD project in aquatic ecotoxicology

Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to lead an interdisciplinary project investigating how chemical pollution affects aquatic biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems, and society. This position is hosted at the department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies at SLU in Umeå. At our department, we conduct research and lead education to better understand how animals and environments respond to pressures from a rapidly changing world. The candidate will be part of the Aquatic Ecology research group, where our research specifically focuses on the ecology of aquatic ecosystems. The project provides an exciting opportunity to conduct innovative research and contribute to freshwater resource management.

For more information about the department visit: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/department-of-wildlife-fish-and-environmental-studies/

For more information about the Aquatic Ecology research group visit: www.slu.se/en/research/research-catalogue/grupper/a/aquatic-ecology/

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/

Interdisciplinary PhD opportunity in aquatic ecotoxicology

Research subject Biology

Description:

Chemical pollution in freshwater environments has increased rapidly over the past 50 years, and wastewater treatment plant discharges are a well-known source of this pollution. One way to mitigate this pollution is to upgrade wastewater treatment technologies to reduce chemical pollution. This PhD project aims to evaluate if and how such upgrades affect freshwater organisms and habitats in the long-term, and how these upgrades could benefit society. The project will focus on topics including:

·        Assessing how aquatic macroinvertebrate biodiversity responds to over time and space to pollution pressures

·        Quantifying changes in pollution pre-and post-upgrade and linking this to biodiversity patterns

·        Synthesizing the scientific literature to identify and help predict how upgrades could benefit aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem services

·        Evaluating social attitudes and perceptions of upgrading by society

This project takes an interdisciplinary approach, and it will equip the PhD candidate with skills from the fields of biodiversity assessment, ecotoxicology, evidence synthesis, and the social sciences. The project will involve a combination of field-based sampling, controlled laboratory assays, computer-based data-driven analysis, and social science surveys.

What we offer:

·        A supportive and collaborative research environment with supervisors who are experts in these research areas.

·        Access to state-of-the-art aquatic and ecotoxicological laboratory facilities.

·        Opportunities to develop diverse research and professional skills.

·        Engagement and networking across academic, government, and industry sectors.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with the following qualifications:

·        A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, or a related field.

·        Prior experience collecting and/or identifying freshwater macroinvertebrate taxa.

·        A strong interest in biodiversity, freshwater conservation, or ecotoxicology.

·        Proficient written and verbal communication skills in English.

The following qualifications are desirable:

·        Experience with processing or analyzing environmental samples for pollutants is desirable.

·        Proficiency in statistical analyses (e.g., using R) is desirable.

·        A driver’s license is desirable.

Place of work:      

Umeå

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment as PhD student (4 years education).

Scope:

100%

Starting date:

According to agreement. 

Application:

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-03-26.

Please submit the following three documents as PDFs alongside your application:

1. A CV (max 3 pages, font type Arial or Times New Roman, min size 11) that includes the following headings: education, work experience, research interests, awards, publications, presentations at conferences, teaching experience, field work experience, laboratory experience, software and computing skills, languages, and other merits. 
2. A motivation/cover letter (max 2 pages, font type Arial or Times New Roman, min size 11) that summarises how the candidate’s education and experience meet the qualifications and motivation for why they are interested in conducting this PhD project.
3. A document with contact details for two professional reference persons that can speak to your qualifications (font type Arial or Times New Roman, min size 11). Please include their name, email, and the connection to candidate (e.g., MSc supervisor, prior workplace manager).

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.