PhD-student at the Department of Soil and environment

Reference number SLU.ua.2025.2.5.1-611

Department of Soil and Environment

The Department of Soil and Environment is a leading soil research institution, both nationally and internationally. Our research focuses on fundamental soil properties and processes, as well as how soil functions are affected by changes in environmental conditions, including climate change. Through research, environmental analysis and education, we contribute knowledge about future sustainable land use and develop new solutions as a basis for decision-making in agriculture, forestry and the urban environment. The working environment at the department is international and we have around 100 employees.

Our research is carried out in seven subject groups with a focus on Soil Biology, Soil Nutrient Cycling, Soil Chemistry, Agricultural Water Management, Soil and Environmental Physics, Soil Mechanics and Soil Management, and the Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils. We are responsible for important research infrastructure in the form of soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, an X-ray scanner, long-term field experiments, a lysimeter facility, and the field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta. The Department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced level.

We are a part of the Soil, Water and Environment Center at SLU (MVM-center), which provides links to research on water systems, recycling and bioenergy. Our work is aligned to national environmental and climate goals as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are situated at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara. Read more about the department here (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/soil-environment/).

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/

Fungal adaptations to nitrogen scarcity – from genes to ecosystems

Soil Science with specialisation in Soil Biology

Description:

The Soil Biology group at SLU is internationally recognised for its frontline research on the biology and ecology of fungi. With methods spanning from molecular biology to field ecology, we aim to understand the behaviour and properties of fungi and their role as decomposers and mycorrhizal symbionts in forest ecosystems. We seek a PhD student to work in a new project, funded by the Swedish Research Council, to explore fungal adaptations to nitrogen scarcity. The latest advances in microscopy and gene sequencing techniques will be used to elucidate how fungal mycelia regulate the interplay between nitrogen availability and carbon turnover. The project encompasses controlled laboratory experiments and analyses of gene expression data from natural field environments, with a focus on basic research about an understudied and fascinating group of organisms. Being the principal decomposers of organic matter, fungi play a pivotal role in the global carbon cycle, and the project has relevance for global change questions. The project is a collaboration between the Departments of Soil and Environment (Björn Lindahl – main supervisor, Marie Spohn) and Plant Biology (Daniel Hofius) at SLU as well as the Department of Physical Geography at Stockholm University (Stefano Manzoni).

Qualifications:

We seek a meticulous and motivated person, who aims for a carrier in biological or ecological research. Given the strong basic research component of the project, curiosity and a genuine fascination for science is required. To qualify for the position, a masters’ exam in biology or equivalent is mandatory. Proven competence in microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, ecology and statistics is a particular merit. Practical experience in biological laboratory work is also desirable. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English is required.

Place of work:       

Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment 4 years

Starting date:

According to agreement.

Application:

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 17th of March 2025.

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 www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Information

• Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Industry experience

Education: Masters

Seniority: Expert, Engineer, Consultant

Taxonomy

• Soil
• Soil & Water Assessment Tools
• Soil Management
• Soil Science
• Soil-less Agriculture
• soil microbiome