Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies

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 currently central societal issues that require more knowledge. To sustainably manage and ensure the biological diversity of forests, a coherent fundamental scientific research program is needed to tackle 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 (https://www.slu.se/wiforce)), has been established.

Dept. Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate for the TRACE-AIR project, an innovative research initiative in ecology, molecular monitoring of biodiversity, and conservation research. The project explores how airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to detect and monitor migrating species, invasive species, and pathogens in forest ecosystems affected by intensive forestry. The PhD candidate will work with a unique 60-year-old air filter archive from Kiruna and new samples from Skåne to reconstruct time series of biodiversity and analyze the impact of forestry on species. The project includes fieldwork, laboratory work, bioinformatics, and ecological modeling. The results will contribute to future monitoring systems, forest management, and conservation strategies.

At the Dept. of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, we create knowledge that supports sustainable use of natural resources in a changing world. We work to understand the interactions between plants, animals, and humans worldwide. (Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies | slu.se (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/))

Airborne eDNA and Monitoring of Biodiversity in Forest Landscapes (TRACE-AIR)

PhD Program Subject Biology

Content description:
The main purpose of this PhD project is to use a globally unique and most comprehensive dataset of airborne environmental DNA (air eDNA) from Sweden – spanning from 1974 onwards – to test whether the airborne eDNA method can serve as an innovative tool for monitoring biodiversity. The goal is to detect and analyze spatial and temporal changes in the occurrence, abundance, and outbreaks of ecologically important taxonomic groups – particularly migrating species, invasive species, and forest pathogens – under the influence of modern forestry in Sweden.

Based on this, the project aims to develop a robust monitoring framework and provide evidence-based recommendations for future conservation and management of forest ecosystems. The specific questions are divided into three main categories:

1. Method validation
2. Fundamental ecological processes and the impact of forestry
3. Framework for conservation and monitoring

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in ecology, biology, forestry, bioinformatics, or a related field
• Documented knowledge in biodiversity, molecular methods, or forest ecology
• Skills in R/Python, Bioinformatics, GIS, and/or molecular laboratory work
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams
• Good command of English (spoken and written)

We offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position
• Interdisciplinary doctoral training through WIFORCE
• Access to a unique global eDNA archive
• Opportunities for fieldwork, lab work, and modeling
• An international, supportive research environment

Location: Umeå

Funding form:
Employment as a PhD candidate (four years of education).

Start date:
By agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button by 2026-02-10.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a completed 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, 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 the requirements for English language skills can be found on the following page:https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-b 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 that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in the passport that contains 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/)

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 candidates, 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 rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the position.