Vacant job

Department of Aquatic Resources

Doctoral Subject: Biology

Job Description:

A position as a PhD student in Biology is now available at the Department of Aquatic Resources at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The PhD project is part of a larger research project focusing on the spread and effects of algal toxins in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is one of the world's most vulnerable seas, where climate change, eutrophication, and other anthropogenic impacts interact and affect ecosystem function. At the same time, several fish species show signs of deteriorating health and declining populations, but the underlying causes are not yet fully understood. Naturally produced algal toxins from cyanobacteria and algae have been identified as a potentially important but hitherto underestimated stress factor in these systems.

The PhD project will primarily focus on how algal toxins affect fish physiology, reproduction, and population dynamics in the Baltic Sea, through a combination of field studies and controlled experiments. The PhD student will:

• Plan and conduct field studies in coastal ecosystems.
• Conduct aquarium experiments focusing on fish (primarily perch).
• Work with sampling, laboratory analyses, and data processing.
• Analyze data using statistical methods and lead scientific publications.

The project integrates ecology, ecotoxicology, and fish biology and takes place in close collaboration with ongoing environmental monitoring and research programs at SLU.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative person with a strong interest in aquatic ecology, particularly fisheries ecology and the Baltic Sea ecosystem. To be eligible, a master's degree (or equivalent advanced level degree) in aquatic ecology, fish biology, or another relevant subject is required. Since scientific publications are produced in English, good written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory.

You should have:

• A completed master's degree (or equivalent) in aquatic ecology, limnology, or a corresponding relevant subject.
• A genuine interest in research and in learning how to conduct research.
• Very good collaborative and organizational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Merits:

• Good knowledge of fisheries ecology.
• Experience of field studies and inventories.
• Experience of data management and statistical analyses.
• Experience of writing scientific texts.
• Problem-solving analytical skills.
• Ability to demonstrate independent and skillfully conducted scientific work.

Especially Meritorious:

• Personal qualities relevant to the position, such as good organizational skills, ability to take initiative, as well as good planning skills and ability to work in a team.
• Experience of fieldwork in aquatic environments and experience of aquarium experiments or other work with fish.

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 the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. The main campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, trial parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.

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/).

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/).

Employment Type and Salary:

PhD position (4 years of education).

Scope:

100% Full-time.

Location:

Drottningholm.

Start Date:

As agreed, Autumn 2026.

Application and Selection:

Please submit your application via the button below by 2026-06-29.

Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/).

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and should take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union Contact Persons

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