Vacant job

Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher who wishes to develop and apply advanced methods based on environmental DNA (eDNA) to investigate patterns in biodiversity and food web dynamics in northern aquatic ecosystems.

About the Job

We welcome applications for a six-month postdoctoral position focused on further developing molecular methods to map biodiversity in northern lakes. The project will investigate how environmental changes and human impact, including hydropower regulation, affect aquatic communities and trophic interactions in northern freshwater ecosystems.

The successful candidate will develop and apply methods based on environmental DNA (eDNA) to characterize patterns in biodiversity and improve our understanding of ecological responses to human impact. The work involves field sampling, molecular laboratory analyses, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatic analyses to generate new knowledge about ecosystem dynamics and changes in biodiversity.

The position offers the opportunity to work through the entire research process – from field collection and contamination-controlled molecular laboratory work to advanced ecological and bioinformatic analyses. The results will contribute to increased knowledge and improved management of northern freshwater ecosystems under increasing environmental pressure.

Your Background

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who can take initiative and work both independently and in close collaboration within an interdisciplinary research environment. The applicant must have obtained a PhD in molecular biology or a closely related field within the three years preceding the date of employment.

Very good communication skills in English, both oral and written, are required, as is a valid driver's license and willingness to participate in fieldwork in northern aquatic environments.

The applicant must have a solid background in next-generation sequencing (NGS) with applications in biodiversity analysis, as well as documented experience with environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, amplicon sequencing, and metagenomics. Extensive practical experience with molecular biological laboratory methods is required, including high-throughput DNA extraction, nucleic acid preservation, PCR and qPCR-based methods, library preparation for NGS, and strict adherence to contamination-controlled cleanroom protocols.

Documented experience working with genetic material that is difficult to analyze, occurs in low concentrations, or is highly degraded, such as ancient DNA (aDNA) and sedimentary DNA (sedaDNA), is highly desirable.

The applicant must have strong quantitative and bioinformatic skills, with documented experience in processing raw sequencing data through high-throughput bioinformatic workflows. Experience in developing and using reproducible analysis pipelines in Linux/Unix-based high-performance computing (HPC) environments is required, as well as advanced competence in ecological and molecular data analysis using R and/or Python.

Practical experience in fieldwork is a significant asset, particularly experience in sampling aquatic environmental DNA (eDNA), applying contamination-free sampling protocols, and planning and conducting fieldwork in northern, subarctic, or other remote environments.

Additional assets include experience in aquatic ecology, food web ecology, trophic interactions, biodiversity monitoring, laboratory management, project coordination, student supervision, university-level teaching, and interdisciplinary research collaboration.

About Us

The main supervisor for the postdoc will be Karin Nilsson (Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, SLU Umeå) and co-supervisor Gunnar Öhlund (SLU Umeå). The work will be carried out in collaboration with a broader network of researchers, the hydropower industry, and other relevant stakeholders.

At the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, we offer a creative and stimulating research environment where we conduct internationally recognized basic and applied research, education, and environmental monitoring in the fields of biodiversity, restoration and conservation, fish biology, and wildlife ecology. The department has many international staff members and well-established national and international cooperation, creating good opportunities for fruitful scientific exchange.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vilt-fisk-miljo/)

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/)

Location:

Umeå

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 6 months.

Citizens from outside the EU/EEA must apply for and be granted a residence permit for research before traveling to Sweden and starting the employment.

Scope:

100%

Start Date:

September 2026

Application:

Please submit your application via the button below by 2026-07-21.

A complete application should include:

• A cover letter describing why you are interested in the position and how you can contribute to the research project (max two pages).
• Curriculum vitae (CV), including a publication list (submitted manuscripts may also be included).
• A copy of your doctoral thesis and relevant scientific publications (max five).
• A certified copy of your PhD diploma and other relevant degree certificates.
• Name and contact details (email address and phone number) of two reference persons.

Union Representatives:

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 life, 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, demonstration parks, and educational centers 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 work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development.