PhD: Microbial Nitrogen Cycling in Oxygen-Depleted Waters

Göteborgs universitet; Göteborgs kommun; On-site; SEK 277,223 - 388,112; Full time

Job summary

Göteborgs universitet is offering a PhD studentship under the ERC Synergy project RECLESS. The successful candidate will engage in groundbreaking research on microbial nitrogen transformations in oxygen-depleted waters through fieldwork and advanced isotopic techniques.

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in microbial ecology, substantial communication skills, and familiarity with aquatic systems. The position is full-time for 4 years, ideally starting on 1 November 2026.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in microbial ecology or related discipline.
• Knowledge of elemental cycling within aquatic systems.
• Experience with stable isotopes and/or mass spectrometry techniques (advantageous).
• Ability to process, analyze and visualize scientific data with R or Python (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Participate in fieldwork campaigns in the eastern tropical Pacific and Baltic Sea.
• Elucidate pathways of microbial processes involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling.
• Operate instrumentation for incubations and oxygen determinations.
• Collaborate with RECLESS team members on interdisciplinary projects.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills in English

Ability to process, analyse and visualise scientific data using R, Python or similar

Experience collecting, processing, and analysing samples from aquatic systems

Knowledge of elemental cycling within aquatic systems

Familiarity with stable isotopes and/or mass spectrometry techniques

Involvement in fieldwork and/or seagoing research

Knowledge of low‑oxygen aquatic environments

Education

Master’s degree in microbial ecology, biogeochemistry or a related discipline

Job description

Göteborgs universitet is offering a PhD studentship under the ERC Synergy project RECLESS. The successful candidate will engage in groundbreaking research on microbial nitrogen transformations in oxygen-depleted waters through fieldwork and advanced isotopic techniques.

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree in microbial ecology, substantial communication skills, and familiarity with aquatic systems. The position is full-time for 4 years, ideally starting on 1 November 2026.