Doctoral Candidate Position

Description:

Department of Forest Ecology and Management Research Education Subject: Biology Description of the Doctoral Project: Nitrogen availability is a major limitation for plant growth and carbon binding in boreal forest soils. Although proteins constitute a large proportion of the soil nitrogen pool, the processes governing their breakdown into amino acids are still poorly understood. A critical knowledge gap exists in understanding soil protein composition and properties and their role in regulating the nitrogen cycle. This doctoral project will address this challenge by characterizing the composition of proteins in soil and investigating the mechanisms governing nitrogen turnover. The doctoral candidate will primarily work in the laboratory and analyze natural soils from mesocosm and field experiments. The analytical work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/umea-proteomics-platform/ The project is led by Sandra Jämtgård, Department of Forest Ecology and Management, SLU in collaboration with Maja Sundquist and Jonatan Klaminder. The doctoral candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary research group with expertise spanning ecophysiology, vegetation ecology, soil science and proteomics, providing excellent conditions for scientific exchange and discussion. Eligibility: Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39). Special eligibility for admission to doctoral education in the subject of biology is held by those who have knowledge equivalent to at least 90 higher education credits in biological subjects, of which at least 30 must be at advanced level. Additionally, you must have knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school. Your Background: You must have: Qualifications according to the basic eligibility requirements for doctoral education at SLU: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ Master's degree, or completed courses of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at advanced level, in biology, with a focus on plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related subject English B/6, fluent, with good ability to write, communicate and interact in an English-speaking environment Documented experience of laboratory work Documented experience of univariate and multivariate analysis Demonstrated ability for good collaboration, problem-solving, analytical skills and independent work Merits: Experience with proteomics analysis Experience with LC-MS/MS Experience with protein chemistry Experience with bioinformatics data analysis About Us: The doctoral candidate will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Umeå. The department consists of approximately 115 people, of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to promote increased understanding of forest ecosystems and how forest ecosystems can best be managed today and in the future. For more information about the department, see: http://www.slu.se/institutioner/skogens-ekologi-skotsel/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/. Employment Form and Salary: Employment as a doctoral candidate (4 years of education) The salary for the doctoral candidate position follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. Scope: 100% Location: Umeå Start Date: During autumn 2026, by agreement. Application and Selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by 2026-08-20 at the latest. Read more about the attachments your application should contain at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ Selection among eligible applicants will be made based on the attachments submitted with the application, and shall be made with consideration to the ability to complete the education within the specified time. Trade Union Contact Persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in developing sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main offices are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral candidates and a turnover of over 4.5 billion kronor. The university is investing in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the basis for scientific rigor, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.Department of Forest Ecology and Management Research Education Subject: Biology Description of the Doctoral Project: Nitrogen availability is a major limitation for plant growth and carbon binding in boreal forest soils. Although proteins constitute a large proportion of the soil nitrogen pool, the processes governing their breakdown into amino acids are still poorly understood. A critical knowledge gap exists in understanding soil protein composition and properties and their role in regulating the nitrogen cycle. This doctoral project will address this challenge by characterizing the…

Overview

Type

job

Status

active

Visibility

public

City

Umeå

Address

Skogsmarksgränd 17 Umeå

GPS

63.7970413, 20.2816791copyopen in

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2

Published

23. 6. 2026

Edited

30. 7. 2026

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