Department of Forest Ecology and Management

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to focus on fine-scale root microbial interactions in boreal trees. The postdoc will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå and will be funded for three years.

It is unclear how increased carbon dioxide levels will affect trees' nitrogen availability and growth in the long term. Increased carbon dioxide leads to increased carbon exudation from plant roots, which stimulates the growth of fungi and bacteria in the soil area closest to the roots (the rhizosphere), which can either increase or decrease trees' nitrogen availability. The future of forestry is therefore dependent on our understanding of how the interaction between tree roots and microbes works to optimize trees' nitrogen availability and growth. This project will map the function of soil microbes for nutrient uptake in root tips of boreal trees. The project is led by Dr. Sandra Jämtgård and a team that includes experts in molecular biology, tree physiology, chemical analyses, and soil science.

About the Job

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher focused on investigating the function of the root microbiome under various abiotic and biotic conditions in controlled experiments in climate chambers. The postdoc is expected to plan and conduct cultivation experiments, process plant, microbe, and soil samples for molecular biological analyses, and analyze data for publishable manuscripts.

Your Background

The required qualifications are:

• A PhD in a subject such as biology, plant physiology, or another relevant field that provides relevant skills for the postdoc project area.
• Experience with molecular laboratory techniques such as DNA and RNA isolation and analysis, plant-microbe interactions, cultivation of plants under controlled conditions, root-microbiome data analysis, and analysis of soil enzyme activity, as evidenced by relevant publications.
• Excellent command of English is also required, both spoken and written.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily looking for individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About Us

The postdoc 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 better 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's like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Umeå

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 36 months

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

In March 2026 or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-02-26.

Your application should be written in English and include: 1) a cover letter summarizing your research results and how you can contribute to the research project, 2) a CV, 3) a publication list, 4) copies of relevant degree certificates and publications, and 5) contact information for 2-3 references.

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, grounded in 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 a gender-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 current position.