Doctoral Degree in Arctic Freshwater Ecology

Department of Water and Environment

Doctoral studies subject:

Biology Focusing Ecology

Description of the doctoral project:

The overall purpose of this doctoral project is to understand how climate-driven changes in vegetation cover and winter conditions affect habitats and nutrient tissues in arctic and alpine lakes. Climate change favours the spread of land vegetation, which increases nutrient binding in Arctic and Alpine landscapes and contributes to a long-term reduction in nutrient supply to lakes (so-called oligotrophication). At the same time, changing winter conditions – such as shorter periods of ice cover and increased snow cover – change the availability of light for primary production and oxygen availability for aquatic organisms during winter. The project will use a methodology where spatial differences are used as surrogates for temporal changes ("space-for-time" approach) to: (i) assess the effects of sea oligotrophication and changing winter conditions on benthic biofilm communities in different marine environments; (ii) evaluate the impact of altered composition in the biofilm for the production and transfer of health-promoting biomolecules (i.e. essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA) versus harmful biomolecules (i.e. cyanotoxins) to higher trophic levels, including fish; and (iii) quantify the extent to which oligotrophication and changing winter conditions affect nutrient tissues in arctic and alpine lakes, including consumer food choices, the relative importance of benthic versus pelagic energy pathways and the length of the food chain.

Tasks:

The doctoral student will work in an international consortium with partners from both the Nordic region and North America. The project will utilise samples and data collected from Arctic and Alpine lakes in Sweden and other circumpolar regions. The implementation includes, inter alia:

• Seasonally based sampling of components of the nutrient web, from primary producers to fish, in both ice-free conditions (summer) and ice cover (winter).
• Analysis of biomarkers (PUFA and cyanotoxins) in biological samples using chromatographic techniques.
• Integration and compilation of previous data with newly collected data on fatty acids, cyanotoxins and stable isotopes.
• Application of Bayesian mixing models to examine consumer food and feed flows in the nutrient web.

Competence:

Basic permissions if you have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).

Specific jurisdiction to be admitted to doctoral studies in the subject Biology Focus Ecology has it as knowledge corresponding to at least 90 credits (hp) in biological subjects. These should include an independent project and at least 30 credits should be at advanced level.

In addition, you must have knowledge of English that corresponds to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

Applicants must have a degree in aquatic ecology, limnology, ecology or equivalent. Experience of biological sampling in winter in iced lakes is very meritorious. Good knowledge in statistical analysis, experience in scientific publishing and very good ability to express oneself in Swedish in speech and writing are meritorious. Knowledge of aquatic nutrient tissues (e.g. algae, macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, fish), arctic ecology and/or biogeochemistry is beneficial. Experience with relevant methods of biological sampling and biomarkers analysis is also meriting. Great emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities, such as ability to think critically, problem solving skills and ability to work independently and in groups. A good knowledge of English in speech and writing and a valid driving licence in Sweden is required.

About us:

The Department of Water and Environment is a competence centre for applied environmental research with a national responsibility for monitoring the state of the environment in Swedish lakes and streams with regard to water chemistry, environmental pollution and aquatic biota. Research at the department focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology and environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department has more than 150 employees, of which about half are researchers/doctors and the other half are technical and administrative staff.

More information about the department: http://www.slu.se/vatten-miljo

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

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

Form of supply and remuneration:

Postgraduate student position (4 years of education).

The salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Access:

December 2026.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-10-12.

Read more about the appendices that your application should contain on https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection of qualified applicants is based on the appendices attached to the application, and shall be made taking into account the ability to complete the training within the time allowed.

Trade unions

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

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role to play in the development of 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 social development and good living conditions on our planet. The main locations are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also carried out at research stations, pilot parks and educational centres throughout the country. SLU has more than 4000 employees, 6000 students and graduate students and a turnover of over 4,5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for science, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.