Department of Forest Ecology and Management

WIFORCE Graduate School

Do you want to research sustainable use and conservation of forests for the future? Apply to the WIFORCE Graduate School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate action are central societal issues today that require more knowledge. To sustainably manage and ensure the biological diversity of forests, a coherent fundamental scientific research program is needed to address large and complex questions and develop new analytical tools. Therefore, the WIFORCE Graduate School, within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/wiforce (http://www.slu.se/wiforce)), has been established.

The PhD candidate will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå. The department consists of approximately 115 people, of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to promote a greater understanding of forest ecosystems and how forest ecosystems can best be managed today and in the future.

For more information about the department see: http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/ (http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Research Project/Thesis Title:

Exploring how microbial soil processes control how much carbon is stored in soils in the north

Research Education Subject:

Soil Science

Content Description:

Project Description: Are you fascinated by soil ecology, microbial physiology, stable isotopes, and the global carbon cycle? Then apply for this PhD project aimed at investigating what actually drives microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) in cold, nutrient-poor ecosystems.

Microbial CUE – the balance between carbon used for growth versus that consumed via respiration – is the variable that best explains variation in the amount of carbon in soils from a global perspective. Yet we still do not fully understand the mechanisms that govern CUE and cause soil microbes to sometimes be inefficient and appear to “waste” energy. Our project will investigate the mechanisms behind this energy waste and how common it is in northern soils. Within this PhD study, you will conduct both controlled laboratory experiments and field experiments. You will have the opportunity to learn advanced isotope tracing techniques and explore how soil microbes respond to environmental stress.

You will be part of a creative and supportive research environment with access to laboratories for isotope and microbial analyses. If you are curious, motivated, and enthusiastic about redefining how we understand soil carbon cycling, we welcome you to apply and contribute to uncovering microbial mechanisms that may change future Earth system models.

Qualifications:

The candidate must meet the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in soil science, environmental science, ecology, biology, or another related field
• A strong interest in microbial soil processes and the ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations.
• A valid driver's license in Sweden (required to access field sites).

Desirable Qualities:

Merits for this application include one or more of the following:

• Previous studies of microbial processes
• Experience with soil incubations
• Experience with isotope-labeled experiments
• And relevant methods for collecting field data (e.g., chamber-based gas flux measurements, soil sampling, etc.).

Location:

Umeå

Funding Form:

Employment as a PhD student (4 years of education)

Start Date:

In spring 2026 or by agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button no later than 2026-02-10.

The following should be attached to the application:

• CV
• Cover letter describing yourself and your motivation for applying for this position
• Short (max one page) description of your scientific background, research interests, and your alignment with the above qualifications
• Copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, as well as other relevant certificates, e.g., English language certificate if you have not completed your previous studies in Sweden or in an English-speaking country (see here for more information on what is acceptable)
• Names and contact details of two professional references.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a degree at the advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year at the advanced level, is required.

Selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including CV; thesis work, copies of degree certificates, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, two personal references, English language skills. More information on English language requirements can be found on the following page:https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/)

Please note that candidates invited for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at the undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, and candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport that contains a photo and personal information.

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/)

Union Contacts:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific integrity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.