PhD student in Arctic freshwater ecology

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment 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 research focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology as well as on environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department has some 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/doctoral students and the other half are technical and administrative staff.

For more information about the department visit: www.slu.se/aquatic-sciences

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/

Rapid change in Arctic baselines: quantifying effects of climate-driven landscape transformation on meta-ecosystems of the Tundra

Research subject: Biology with specialization in Ecology

Description:

Climate change is driving unprecedented environmental transformations in the Earth's vast Tundra biome, including increased productivity (greening) of terrestrial vegetation and altered geochemical cycling. These changes alter the key exchanges of materials and organisms linking aquatic-terrestrial habitats into broader meta-ecosystem networks which support biodiversity and regulate ecosystem functions. The overall goal of the project is to investigate the effects and feedbacks of climate-driven land-cover change on strongly linked stream and riparian habitats in the Swedish Arctic, where tree lines are rapidly expanding, especially along stream channels. The research will combine space-for-time surveys with field experiments to: (i) assess consequences of landscape and biogeochemical transformations for structural and functional biodiversity; (ii) use biomarkers (polyunsaturated fatty acids, algal toxins) to assess how climate-driven landscape transformation alters ecological functioning, connectivity and food web structure; and (iii) experimentally disentangle impacts of climate-related shifts in key resources, including light, nutrients and detritus on biofilm-mediated ecosystem functioning of Tundra streams.

Qualifications:

Applicants should hold an MSc in aquatic ecology, ecology or equivalent. Strong skills in statistical analysis and experience working extended periods in the field would be considered highly meritorious. Further advantageous attributes include a working knowledge of biogeochemistry, Arctic ecology, and/or stream food webs (e.g. macroinvertebrates, algae, ecosystem processes, cross-ecosystem connectivity) and relevant sampling techniques, and evidence of scientific publication.

We seek candidates who have demonstrated capacity for critical thinking, problem solving, and working both independently and as part of a team. Fluency in both spoken and written English is a requirement as well as a valid driver’s license (B).

Place of work:      

Uppsala, but with extended periods working in the Swedish mountains and Arctic (Jämtland and Abisko)

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment (4 years)

Scope:

100%

Starting date:

According to agreement.

Application:

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-03-29.

As part of your application, you should prepare a cover letter including a short description of experience and indicating your suitability for the position and why you are interested.

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.