Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environment

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate who wants to lead an interdisciplinary project investigating how chemical pollutants affect biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems, and society. The position is based at the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environment at SLU in Umeå. The candidate will be part of the Aquatic Ecology research group, where we specifically focus on ecology in aquatic ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. The project offers an exciting opportunity to conduct innovative research and contribute to the management of freshwater resources.

For more information about us, visit: SLU Wildlife, Fish and Environment (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/)

Aquatic Ecology (https://www.slu.se/forskning/forskningskatalog/grupper/a/akvatisk-ekologi/)

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

PhD Subject: Biology

Content Description:

Chemical pollutants in freshwater environments have increased rapidly over the past 50 years, with discharges from wastewater treatment plants being a well-known source of these pollutants. One way to reduce pollution is to upgrade wastewater treatment technology to more effectively purify water from pollutants that have historically not been a focus. This PhD project aims to evaluate whether and how such upgrades affect freshwater organisms and their habitats in the long term, and how these upgrades can benefit society. The project will focus on topics such as:

• Assessing how the biodiversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates responds to pollution impacts over time and space
• Quantifying changes in pollutants before and after upgraded water treatment and linking this to patterns in biodiversity
• Compiling scientific literature to identify and help predict how upgrades can benefit aquatic ecosystems and ecosystem services
• Evaluating societal attitudes and perceptions regarding upgraded water treatment

The project takes an interdisciplinary approach and will provide the PhD candidate with knowledge in the fields of biodiversity, ecotoxicology, evidence synthesis, and social sciences. The project will include field sampling, laboratory testing, and computer-based analysis.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a highly motivated person with the following qualifications:

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, environmental science, ecotoxicology, or a related field.
• Experience in collecting and/or identifying macroinvertebrates in freshwater.
• Strong interest in biodiversity, freshwater conservation, and/or ecotoxicology.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

The following qualifications are advantageous:

• Experience in processing and analyzing environmental samples for pollutants.
• Good skills in statistical analysis (e.g., using R).
• Driving license (B).

Location:

Umeå

Funding Form:

Employment as a PhD candidate (4 years of education)

Extent:

100 %

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button by 2026-03-26.

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

Please submit the following three documents as PDF files along with your application:

• A CV (max 3 pages, font Arial or Times New Roman, minimum size 11) that includes the following headings: education, work experience, research interests, awards, publications, conference presentations, teaching experience, fieldwork experience, laboratory experience, software skills and computer usage, languages, and other qualifications.
• A motivation letter/application letter (max 2 pages, font Arial or Times New Roman, minimum size 11) summarizing how the candidate's education and experience meet the qualifications and motivation for why they are interested in conducting this PhD project.
• A document with contact details for two professional referees who can comment on your qualifications (font Arial or Times New Roman, minimum size 11). Provide their names, email addresses, and relationship to the candidate (e.g., supervisor on thesis work, previous employer).

The selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including CV; thesis work, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at universities or colleges, two personal references, English language skills. More information about the requirements for English language skills can be found on the following page:SLU PhD Education (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 undergraduate and advanced levels at universities or colleges, and that 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 SLU Doctoral Education (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/)

Union Contacts:

Union Contacts (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 fields, 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 a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations among 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 current position.