PhD position in aquatic microbial ecology and evolution

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment
The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment is working with applied environmental science, with a national responsibility for assessing the condition of Swedish surface waters with respect to water chemistry, pollution and aquatic biota. The research focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology as well as on environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. The department has about 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/doctoral students and the other half are technical and administrative staff.

For more information about the department visit: www.slu.se/aquatic-sciences

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/

Patterns and consequences of intra-species diversification in aquatic microbial species
Research subject: Biology with specialization in ecology
Description:
The doctoral student will be part of a research project focusing on the ecology and evolution of microbial species, with an emphasis in aquatic environments.

We will analyze publicly available and newly-acquired aquatic metagenomes and metatranscriptomes and apply advanced bioinformatic algorithms to track species, subspecies and gene turnover across space, time and environmental gradients. We will then use this data to test several hypotheses about the influence of intra-species diversity on the eco-biogeographical distribution of prokaryotic species, their response to perturbations, and the emergence of cooperative behavior. The project will strongly focus in bioinformatics analyses, but there will also be an opportunity to engage in sampling and laboratory work.

Qualifications:
Applicants must have a master's degree (or equivalent) in biology, microbial ecology, bioinformatics or a related field, and a documented ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing. The position requires a strong background in bioinformatics and metagenomics, including practical experience in data analysis and scientific programming (R/Python/Nextflow or equivalent). A demonstrable ability to develop bioinformatics tools is also desirable, but not a requirement. Knowledge in aquatic ecology, microbiology and evolutionary biology will be considered as a further merit. We look for applicants with flexibility and good interpersonal skills, that are capable of working independently but also collaborating in larger groups.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Starting date:
2025-03-01 or according to agreement.

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

The following should be attached to the application:


• Cover letter that includes a summary of scientific background and a statement explaining how this research project and PhD experience fit into the applicant’s career plan.
• A brief CV (max. 2 pages)
• A copy of the Master’s thesis and other relevant publications
• Contact information for two personal references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail, and phone number). No reference letters need to be submitted with the application
• Degree certificates

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/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/


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.