PhD position

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet; Umeå kommun; On-site; SEK 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet is offering a PhD position in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management focused on nitrogen availability in boreal forest soils. The role involves conducting laboratory analyses, collaborating with a research team, and contributing to scientific publications.

Candidates should have a Master’s degree in biology and relevant laboratory experience. The position offers a 4-year program starting in Autumn 2026, and salaries are set according to local agreements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biology focusing on plant physiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology.
• At least 90 higher education credits in biology-related subjects, including 30 at the second-cycle level.
• Fluent in English, capable of communication in an English-speaking environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory analyses of soil samples.
• Investigate nitrogen turnover mechanisms.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team.
• Perform data analysis.
• Contribute to scientific publications.

Skills

Laboratory work

Univariate analysis

Multivariate analysis

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Cooperation

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in biology

Higher education credits in biology-related subjects

Tools

LC-MS/MS

Job description

Overview

PhD position in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management focusing on nitrogen availability in boreal forest soils. The project will characterize soil protein composition and investigate the mechanisms controlling nitrogen turnover. The doctoral candidate will primarily work in the laboratory analyzing natural soils from mesocosm and field experiments in close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory analyses of soil samples to characterize protein composition.
• Investigate mechanisms that control nitrogen turnover.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team spanning plant ecophysiology, vegetation ecology, soil science and proteomics.
• Perform univariate and multivariate data analysis.
• Contribute to data interpretation and preparation of scientific publications.

Requirements – General Entry

Second‑cycle (Master’s) qualification with at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits were awarded at the second‑cycle level, or equivalent knowledge acquired in Sweden or abroad.

Specific Entry Requirements

• At least 90 higher education credits (HEC) in biology‑related subjects, with at least 30 credits at the second‑cycle level.
• English language proficiency equivalent to the Swedish upper‑secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent of ≥ 240 credits, including ≥ 60 credits at the second‑cycle level, in biology focusing on plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related subject.
• Fluent English (B/6), capable of writing and communicating in an English‑speaking environment.
• Documented experience with laboratory work.
• Documented experience with univariate and multivariate analysis.
• Demonstrated cooperation, problem‑solving, analytical skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in proteomics analysis.
• Experience in LC‑MS/MS.
• Experience in protein chemistry.
• Experience in bioinformatic data analysis.

Employment & Benefits

• Location: Umeå.
• Employment as a doctoral student for a 4‑year programme.
• Scope: 100 %.
• Start date: Autumn 2026 (subject to agreement).
• Salaries set according to the local collective agreement with fixed progression.