Vacant job

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

PhD Subject:

Biology

Description of the PhD Project:

Nitrogen availability is a major limitation for plant growth and carbon sequestration in boreal forest soils. Although proteins constitute a significant portion of the soil nitrogen pool, the processes governing their breakdown into amino acids remain poorly understood. A critical knowledge gap lies in understanding the composition and properties of soil proteins and their role in regulating the nitrogen cycle. This PhD project will address this challenge by characterizing the composition of proteins in the soil and investigating the mechanisms that govern nitrogen turnover. The PhD student will primarily work in the laboratory, analyzing natural soils from mesocosm and field experiments. The analytical work will be carried out in close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/umea-proteomics-platform/ (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/umea-proteomics-platform/)). The project is led by Sandra Jämtgård at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management, SLU, in collaboration with Maja Sundquist and Jonatan Klaminder. The PhD student will join a multidisciplinary research group with expertise spanning eco-physiology, vegetation ecology, soil science, and proteomics, providing excellent opportunities for scientific exchange and discussion.

Qualifications:

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed an advanced level degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge inside or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific eligibility for admission to PhD studies in biology is granted to those with knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in biological subjects, of which at least 30 credits must be at an advanced level. Additionally, you are required to have English skills equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your Background:

You should have:

• Qualifications meeting the basic eligibility requirements for PhD studies at SLU: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/)
• A Master’s degree, or completed courses totaling at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 credits are at an advanced level, in biology, with a focus on plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.
• English B/6 proficiency, fluent, with strong skills in writing, communication, and interaction in an English-speaking environment.
• Documented experience in laboratory work.
• Documented experience in univariate and multivariate analysis.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively, solve problems, analyze data, and work independently.

Merits:

• Experience with proteomics analysis.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS.
• Experience with protein chemistry.
• Experience with bioinformatic data analysis.

About Us:

The PhD student 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, including 9 professors. Our mission is to promote a deeper understanding of forest ecosystems and how they 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/).

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

Employment Type and Salary:

PhD student position (4 years of education).

The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100 %

Location:

Umeå

Start Date:

Autumn 2026, according to agreement.

Application and Selection:

We welcome your application via the button below by 2026-08-20.

Read more about the attachments your application must include 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 must take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union Representatives

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 the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental 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 campuses. We work for a gender-equal and inclusive work 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.