Post-doctoral researcher in fungal ecology

SLU; Uppsala kommun; On-site; SEK 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is offering a 2-year post-doctoral researcher position in fungal ecology in Uppsala. The candidate will engage in cutting-edge research focused on understanding the diversity and ecology of grassland fungi, particularly CHEGD fungi, with collaborative efforts involving citizen scientists.

We seek a motivated individual with a recent PhD in a relevant field, emphasizing independent research, experiments, and scientific writing. The position is a unique opportunity in a dynamic international research environment, offering scope for personal and professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory or field experiments within microbial ecology, fungal biology or conservation.
• Experience with fungal community, genomic or transcriptomic analyses.
• Knowledge of multivariate analyses and statistical modelling.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Drive independent research including developing and executing field experiments.
• Conduct laboratory analyses and data analyses.
• Write scientific papers in collaboration with the project group.

Skills

Laboratory or field experiments in microbial ecology

Fungal community, genomic or transcriptomic analyses

Knowledge of multivariate analyses and statistical modelling

Excellent communication skills in English

Programming skills (e.g. python, R)

Education

PhD in fungal ecology, mycology, microbiology, biology, or related field

Job description

Post-doctoral researcher in fungal ecology

Uppsala

Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2102

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology

A 2-year postdoc position is available in the Soil Microbiology group at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala.

We are looking for a dedicated researcher to collaborate in a project about grassland fungi in Sweden.

About the position

The project particularly aims to advance knowledge of the diversity, distribution and biology of a diverse group of conspicuous fruitbody-forming fungi – the waxcaps and allied, or the CHEGD fungi – that are indicators of semi-natural grasslands and of global conservation concern. In collaboration with citizen scientists, we will map the diversity of CHEGD fungi across grasslands of different management histories based on both mushroom inventories and DNA-barcodes in soils. We will also attempt to unravel the ecology of CHEGD fungi based on field experiments using stable isotopes, genomics and potentially transcriptomics approaches. The project thus addresses basic scientific questions about the diversity and biology of CHEGD fungi, while still producing information directly useful for improved management and follow-up of a group of threatened fungi.

As a postdoc in the project, you will be expected to drive independent research, including developing and executing field experiments, laboratory analyses, data analyses and writing scientific papers in collaboration with the project group and external collaborators.

This project offers a unique opportunity to investigate fundamental questions in fungal ecology and advance your research career in a dynamic and international research environment.

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in fungal ecology, mycology, microbiology, biology, or a related field. The candidate is expected to have:

• Experience with laboratory or field experiments within microbial ecology, fungal biology or conservation.
• Experience with fungal community, genomic or transcriptomic analyses.
• Knowledge of multivariate analyses and statistical modelling.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.

We consider it a merit if the candidate has skills in programming languages (e.g. python, R), has experience in fieldwork and has a driving licence.

In the recruitment process we will place great emphasis on the candidate’s interest in fungal ecology and personal qualities, motivation, collaboration ability, accuracy and independence.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that was awarded within the past three years.

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope

100%

As agreed

Application

Please submit your application before deadline 15 September 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The applications should include the following documents written in English:

• a cover letter describing yourself and your match with this project (max 2 pages)
• a CV describing your education, publications and relevant work experience
• copy of certificate of doctoral degree
• name and contact information for two reference persons familiar with your scientific work