Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
We are looking for a PhD student in fungal ecology. The position is placed at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala.

WIFORCE Research School:
Sweden is a country where forests have been and still are of great importance. The use and utilization of the forest is an issue where the balance between forest production and the environment is in focus. Growth in Swedish forests has declined over the past 15 years. Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. It is against this background and in line with SLU:s investment in Future Sustainable Forest Management that WIFORCE Research School, within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research, is established with a focus on the future sustainable use of forests. During the programme, around 50 doctoral students will be admitted to the Research School. Would you like to make a difference for the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School!

Read more about WIFORCE here www.slu.se/en/wiforce

About us:
The department provides a dynamic and international research environment, with experts who conduct fundamental and applied research on plant-microbe interactions, mycology, microbial ecology and evolution, and biodiversity. Central themes are forest and plant pathology, and nutrient and carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Resources include a well-equipped molecular ecology research facility, a bioinformatic pipeline for fungal community analyses, and expertise in soil carbon processes. The department is part of the BioCenter at SLU.

Read more about the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology here: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-mycology-plantpathology/

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Tree genotype and soil mycobiome - importance for soil processes
About the position:
The doctoral project in fungal ecology aims to assess how host tree genetics and environmental factors influence the assembly of soil fungal communities, and to quantify impacts of soil fungal communities on soil carbon processes. Specifically, we aim to increase understanding of soil organic matter dynamics, and the role of soil fungal communities in those processes. The project combines field and lab experiments, fungal meta-barcoding, bioinformatics analyses, and the preparation of scientific articles. The PhD student will carry out supervised research leading to a PhD thesis and undertake course work corresponding to a minimum of 30 higher education credits. This position is based within the Forest Microbiology group and involves collaboration with researchers at the department, SLU Umeå, and Brandenburg University of Technology.

Qualifications:
You should have a MSc degree in mycology, ecology, biology, microbial interactions, forest science, or a closely-related subject. Familiarity with the Nordic forest ecosystems is desired. Formal training and skills in molecular biology, community profiling, ecology, microbiology lab work, soil processes, population genetic, quantitative genetics and statistics are merits. The working language is English and good communication skills in English orally and in writing are required. We are looking for a candidate that is highly motivated, organized, independent and curious, and interested in academic research. You should like to work in teams and contribute to the development of the research environment. International driver's license is meritous.

Place of work:            
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years) 

Starting date:
According to agreement

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-01-21.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction 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. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.