PhD student in Arctic freshwater ecology

Department of Aquatic and Environmental Sciences

Research education subject:

Biology specializing in ecology

Description of the doctoral project:

The overall aim of this doctoral project is to understand how climate-driven changes in vegetation cover and winter conditions affect habitats and food webs in Arctic and alpine lakes. Climate change favors the expansion of terrestrial vegetation, which increases nutrient retention in Arctic and alpine landscapes and contributes to a long-term reduction in nutrient supply to lakes (so-called oligotrophication). At the same time, altered winter conditions – such as shorter periods of ice cover and increased snow cover – change the availability of light for primary production as well as oxygen availability for aquatic organisms during the winter. The project will use a methodology where spatial differences are used as a surrogate for temporal changes ("space-for-time" approach) to: (i) assess the effects of lake oligotrophication and altered winter conditions on benthic biofilm communities in different lake environments; (ii) evaluate the consequences of altered biofilm composition 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 to what extent oligotrophication and altered winter conditions affect food webs in Arctic and alpine lakes, including consumer diet choices, the relative importance of benthic versus pelagic energy pathways, and the length of the food chain.

Tasks:

The doctoral student will work within an international consortium with partners from both the Nordics and North America. The project will utilize samples and data collected from Arctic and alpine lakes in Sweden and other circumpolar regions. Implementation includes, among other things:

Seasonal sampling of food web components, from primary producers to fish, under both ice-free conditions (summer) and under 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 investigate consumer diet choices and flows in the food web.

Eligibility:

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

Special eligibility to be admitted to the research education in the subject Biology specializing in ecology is granted to those with knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits (hp) in biological subjects. These shall include an independent work and at least 30 hp must be at an advanced level.

Additionally, you are required to have knowledge in English corresponding to a passing grade in Engelska B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

Applicants should have a degree in aquatic ecology, limnology, ecology, or equivalent. Experience in biological sampling during winter in ice-covered lakes is highly meritorious. Good knowledge of statistical analysis, experience in scientific publishing, and very good ability to express oneself in Swedish in speech and writing are meritorious. Knowledge of aquatic food webs (e.g., algae, macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, fish), Arctic ecology, and/or biogeochemistry is advantageous. Experience with relevant methods for biological sampling and the analysis of biomarkers is also meritorious. Great importance will also be placed on personal qualities, such as the ability for critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a group. Good knowledge of English in speech and writing as well as a driver's license valid in Sweden are required.

About us:

The Department of Aquatic and Environmental Sciences is a competence center for applied environmental research with a national responsibility for monitoring the environmental status of Swedish lakes and watercourses with respect to water chemistry, environmental pollution, and aquatic biota. Research at the department focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology, as well as environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department has over 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/doctoral students and the other half is technical and administrative staff.

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

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

Terms of employment and salary:

Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education).

The salary for the doctoral student position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start date:

December 2026.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-10-12.

Read more about the attachments your application must contain at 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 shall be made with consideration to the ability to complete the education within the allotted time.

Union contact persons

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

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in 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 locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational locations throughout the country. SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 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 a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientificity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.