Postdoctoral Researcher – Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

Department of Ecology

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher who is interested in evaluating how to improve sustainability on dairy farms so that biodiversity and ecosystem services are promoted. You will be part of a strong international and interdisciplinary research environment working with applied agroecological research.

About the position

Dairy farms can contribute to but also threaten biodiversity and ecosystem services depending on how they are managed. DairyPathS is an interdisciplinary European project aimed at evaluating how various agroecological adaptations, such as changed grazing pressure, adjusted manure management, or increased local feed production, affect different sustainability aspects within milk production systems. The postdoctoral researcher will evaluate how different change scenarios affect biodiversity and ecosystem services on dairy farms in various European regions. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to conduct knowledge syntheses on how agroecological measures affect biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as on existing tools for modeling such effects. In collaboration with project partners, the postdoctoral researcher will evaluate how biodiversity and ecosystem services can be integrated into existing socio-economic and agronomic models, and, using existing models, analyze selected ecosystem services (e.g., biological control and pollination) at the landscape level. The postdoc will also be involved in collaboration with stakeholders within a local living lab where different scenarios will be co-created and analyzed. The project is a collaboration between SLU, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (Germany), Inrae (France), University of Milan and Eurac Research (Italy), Ruralis (Norway), Universitat Politechnica de Valencia (Spain) and Aarhus University (Denmark).

Your profile

We are looking for a person who actively pursues an academic career. You should have documented research experience and an interest in the research field. The position requires a PhD in ecology, environmental science, agronomy, or a corresponding subject. You should have proven ability to independently initiate, carry out, and complete research projects as well as to generate and publish results in international peer-reviewed journals. Written and oral communication skills at an academic level in English are required. Experience in modeling biodiversity and ecosystem services, GIS, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration, and quantitative knowledge synthesis (meta-analysis) are meritorious, as are skills in Swedish.

About us

The position is located at the Department of Ecology, which is part of the Ecology Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. The postdoctoral researcher will join a dynamic international and interdisciplinary research environment with an extensive national and international network focused on sustainable agriculture. At the Ecology Centre, we conduct research for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and the conservation of biodiversity. Solutions are sought that will produce sufficient food sustainably, mitigate climate change, preserve endangered species, and support biodiversity and ecosystem services. Active dissemination, outreach activities, and close contact with societal stakeholders are important activities. Based on extensive national and international research collaborations, we build research and communication that advance ecology as a science and promote sustainable agriculture.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/ekologi/

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:

Postdoctoral. Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%.

Start date:

July 2026 or as agreed. 

Application:

Selection among applicants is based on the written application and interviews. The application should be written in English and include:

1) a description of academic interests and why the applicant is interested in this particular position, with a specification of the applicant's expertise within the research area (max 5000 characters including spaces)

 2) Curriculum Vitae including a complete list of publications divided into peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications

3) contact information for two professional references

4) copies of degree certificates and transcripts from undergraduate and graduate studies at university level.

The description should particularly highlight your current research interests, your expertise, and other activities relevant to the position. Special emphasis will be placed on your written motivation describing your current research interests as well as competencies and interest in the research area. We also value personal qualities such as the ability to collaborate.

Please submit your application before deadline 30 April 2026. 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 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.