Vacant job

Department of Soil and Environment

A 2-year postdoctoral position is advertised within the Soil and Environmental Physics research group at the Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala.

We are looking for a researcher interested in the interplay between ecological, biogeochemical, and physical processes that shape the carbon cycle's response to global changes, and how these interactions can be implemented in soil and ecosystem models. Depending on the selected candidate's background and interests, the research project may focus on statistical analysis of literature data, process-based modeling, or a combination of these.

We offer an stimulating research environment with opportunities for collaboration with soil scientists and ecologists, both within SLU, nationally, and internationally.

About the Job

As a postdoctoral researcher in the project, you are expected to conduct independent research. This includes data collection from literature sources and databases, statistical data analysis, development and use of process-based mathematical models, writing scientific articles in collaboration with the project group and external partners, and presenting research results at seminars and conferences.

Your Background

To be eligible for the postdoctoral position, a completed PhD degree is required.

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with knowledge and experience in:

• Formulating new research questions and hypotheses about processes governing carbon fluxes and stocks in soil, vegetation, and ecosystems.
• Collecting, harmonizing, and statistically analyzing data on carbon fluxes and stocks in soil, vegetation, or ecosystems from literature sources and databases.
• Developing and using process-based mathematical models for the carbon cycle in soil and ecosystems.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can conceptualize and statistically or mathematically link processes occurring at different spatial or temporal scales, or between different levels of ecological organization (e.g., scaling up microbial processes to the ecosystem level; using functional plant traits to understand ecosystem carbon budgets).

Given the nature of the research project, we expect the selected candidate to collaborate with soil scientists, ecologists, and biogeochemists. Experience publishing in high-ranking English-language journals is also desirable.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their PhD degree no more than three years ago.

About Us

The Department of Soil and Environment is a leading center for soil science, both nationally and internationally. We research soil properties and fundamental functions, and study how environmental and climate changes affect the soil. Through research, environmental analysis, and education, we contribute knowledge about future sustainable land use and develop new solutions to support decision-making in agriculture, forestry, and urban environments.

The work environment at the department is international, and we have approximately 100 employees. Research is conducted within seven subject groups focusing on soil nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, soil biology, soil mechanics and tillage, biogeophysics, water management and water quality, and forest soil biogeochemistry.

We are responsible for important research infrastructure, including soil chemical and physical laboratories, a computed tomography scanner, long-term experiments, a lysimeter facility, and the field research stations Lanna and Lövsta, which offer infrastructure for crop experiments. In education, the department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced levels.

We are part of SLU's Centre for Soil, Water and Environment (MVM-centrum), with close contacts to environmental analysis and research on water, cycles, and bioenergy. The activity contributes to meeting national environmental and climate goals as well as the UN's global sustainability goals. The department is located at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara. Read more about the department here: https://www.slu.se/mark (https://www.slu.se/mark).

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:

Uppsala

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with some possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

When applying, we ask you to attach the following documents:

• Cover letter (max 1 page)
• CV – degrees and other education, work experience, and publication list
• Contact information for 2–3 reference persons
• Project plan/research plan describing:

• Current state of knowledge regarding the project topic described in the advertisement (max half a page)
• Knowledge gaps that need to be addressed (max half a page)
• Suggested method to fill the identified gaps and how it relates to the applicant's knowledge/expertise and previous experience (max one page)

We welcome your application via the application button below by 2026-09-10.

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. The main campuses are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, test 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 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.