PhD in Biology

Department of Ecology WIFORCE Research School Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School! 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. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/en/wiforce), was created. Deadwood2soils: deadwood translocation for forest soil biodiversity and functioning We are seeking a PhD student in biology/ecology to join the Department of Ecology in Uppsala. The doctoral project Deadwood2Soils is a unique research initiative that investigates how the translocation (relocation) of dead wood and wood-inhabiting fungal communities affects soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in boreal forests. The project is based on a large-scale field experiment in which 640 logs were moved as compensation for forest exploitation. Eight years later, these logs now function as living laboratories for studying interactions between dead wood, fungi, microbial biomass, soil nutrient conditions, microclimate, and CO₂ efflux. As a PhD student in the project, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in forest ecology, mycology, conservation science, data analysis, and scientific communication. You will contribute to conservation-relevant research on fungi, forest restoration and ecological compensation, conduct fieldwork in boreal forests, and work with modern laboratory methods including eDNA/metabarcoding and microbial analyses. The PhD student will receive supervision from a research team under the leadership of Mari Jönsson. Qualifications We are looking for an enthusiastic and curious candidate who wants to develop new knowledge that is important for the future of nature conservation and forest management. You hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, ecology, environmental science, forest science, or a related field, and you have a strong interest in ecology, biodiversity, and forest ecosystems. Merits include advanced knowledge in ecology and conservation biology, experience with molecular methods and bioinformatics, and mycological competence. Experience in planning, conducting, and reporting scientific studies, as well as familiarity with statistical analyses (e.g., R), is also considered an advantage. You should be able to work both independently and as part of a team, and you must have good communication skills in spoken and written English. Knowledge of Swedish and a valid Swedish driver’s license are considered merits. Department of Ecology The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is one of the Nordic region’s largest centers for ecological research and offers a dynamic and excellent research environment with modern infrastructure. The Department of Ecology is part of SLU’s Faculty of Forest Sciences, which conducts research, teaching, and environmental monitoring in forestry that support UN’s Sustainability Goals and Sweden’s national environmental objectives. Read more about the department: https://www.slu.se/ekologi 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/ Place of work:       Uppsala, Sweden. Forms for funding or employment: Employment as PhD student (4 years). Scope: 100%. Starting date: According to agreement.  Application: We welcome your application no later than 10 February 2026, using the button below. The following must be attached to the application: • Letter describing yourself, your motivation for applying for this position, and a short description of what you think would be most interesting to measure and research within the PhD position (max. 2 pages, in English) • Master thesis • CV, including date of graduation, describing your education and relevant work experiences, listing any potential publications, and names and contact details of two references • Copy of diploma, as well as other relevant certificates such as English proficiency certificate if applicable 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 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/ 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 https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/ Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/