Researcher in environmental epidemiology

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

We are looking for a person who wants to carry out research in environmental pathogen detection and who has experience in wastewater analysis.

About the position

You will be part of the Swedish Environmental Epidemiology Center (SEEC) within the Division of Microbial Ecology. SEEC is part of SciLifeLab’s Pandemic Laboratory Preparedness (PLP) program that bridges the current gap between epidemiology and environmental assessment. It aims to provide rapid and effective detection of pathogens from environmental samples as well as facilitate population level epidemiology. SEEC also stands for continuous monitoring of selected pathogens in Swedish wastewaters.

You will work closely with the SEEC team while also independently leading and developing your own research. Your primary responsibility will be to carry out research activities in environmental pathogen detection within SEEC, as well as to coordinate the processing, analysis, and presentation of surveillance data to the research community, stakeholders, and the general public. In addition, the role includes producing high-quality scientific publications and actively seeking external funding to support and expand research activities.

Your profile

You should hold a PhD in medical sciences, biology, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental sciences, or a related field, and have several years of practical experience in wastewater analysis, including nucleic acid extractions and quantitative PCR (qPCR and preferably dPCR). Experience working in an accredited laboratory (ISO 17025 or ISO 15189) and conducting biological risk assessments is considered a merit. Proven ability to independently plan, execute, and interpret experiments is required.

A strong record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant areas, as well as documented proficiency in R, GitHub, and related tools such as Shiny apps, is essential. Experience in collaborating with stakeholders, including governmental agencies, is a merit. Fluency in Swedish and English, both spoken and written, and a category B driving license are required.

About us

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 ecotoxicology. The department has about 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 working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala

Form of employment:

Fixed-term employment 6months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

20%

Start date:

As soon as possible.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 3 September 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.