Two PhD Positions in Biogas Process Development and Microbiology

SLU; Uppsala kommun; On-site; SEK 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

SLU in Uppsala is seeking two PhD students to work on biogas production, focusing on both process optimisation and microbiology. Candidates should have a Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or a related discipline. Excellent English skills are a must, and strong motivation for renewable energy and biotechnology is required.

The PhD projects involve operating laboratory-scale biogas processes and analyzing microbial communities. The successful candidates will join the Microbial Biotechnology research group under Professor Anna Schnürer.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken.
• Strong commitment to advancing renewable energy systems.
• Ability to read and critically evaluate scientific literature in English.

Responsibilities

• Operate and evaluate different laboratory-scale biogas processes.
• Study biogas production and biofertiliser quality using chemical analyses.
• Analyze microbial communities in biogas processes.

Skills

Biogas processes

Modelling and/or programming

Statistics

Swedish language skills

Education

Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, or related field

Job description

Two PhD Positions in Biogas Process Development and Microbiology

Uppsala

Reference number SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2034

Department for Molecular Sciences

Subject area: Biology

Description of the PhD projects

We are seeking two PhD students in the field of biogas production, with a focus on the digestion process. The biogas process is currently an important tool for achieving multiple societal benefits and environmental goals. Through anaerobic digestion, a wide range of organic waste streams and residues can be treated while simultaneously closing nutrient cycles and producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich biofertilizers. Biogas production also contributes to increased preparedness and self-sufficiency. The biogas process is driven by complex microbial communities that must remain balanced to ensure efficient and stable biogas production. At the Department of Molecular Sciences, research is conducted both on process operation and optimisation and on process microbiology, often in close integration.

Biogas production from agricultural feedstocks – Process optimisation

As a PhD student in this project you will operate and evaluate different laboratory-scale biogas processes with the aim of optimising both biogas production and biofertiliser quality. The processes will be studied using chemical and microbiological analyses, and there will also be opportunities to work with process modelling.

Process microbiology

This project focuses on the microbiology of different types of biogas processes and on how microbial activity is affected by different operational conditions, as well as how these changes relate to process function and stability. The work will involve molecular biological methods and bioinformatics to analyse microbial communities in both laboratory-scale and full-scale biogas processes. The aim is to identify microorganisms and microbial markers associated with specific operating conditions and to be used to predict process disturbances.

Qualifications

A Master's degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field. Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken.

Your profile

We are seeking highly motivated candidates with a strong commitment to advancing renewable energy systems and a keen interest in biotechnology and industrial microbiology. Applicants should be able to read and critically evaluate scientific literature in English and communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Preferred skills

• Biogas processes


• Modelling and/or programming


• Statistics


• Swedish language skills

Location

Uppsala

Start date

Upon agreement but not later than December 2026

Salary

Determined according to the local collective agreement for doctoral students, with fixed salary progression levels.

Both projects will be carried out within the Microbial Biotechnology research group, supervised by Professor Anna Schnürer and additional researchers.