PhD Student in Arctic Freshwater Ecology

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet · plný úvazek

Uppsala, Švédsko

Department of Water and Environment Doctoral subject: Biology with specialization in Ecology Description of the PhD project: The overall aim of this PhD project is to understand how climate-driven changes in vegetation cover and winter conditions affect habitats and food webs in arctic and alpine lakes. Climate change promotes the expansion of terrestrial vegetation, which increases nutrient binding in arctic and alpine landscapes and contributes to a long-term reduction in nutrient supply to lakes (so-called oligotrophication). Simultaneously, altered winter conditions—such as shorter periods of ice cover and increased snow cover—change the availability of light for primary production and oxygen availability for aquatic organisms during winter. The project will use a methodology where spatial differences are used as surrogates for temporal changes ("space-for-time" approach) to: (i) assess the effects of lake oligotrophication and altered winter conditions on benthic biofilm communities in different lake environments; (ii) evaluate the consequences of changed biofilm composition for production and transfer of health-promoting biomolecules (i.e., essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA) versus harmful biomolecules (i.e., cyanotoxins) to higher trophic levels, including fish; and (iii) quantify the extent to which oligotrophication and altered winter conditions affect food webs in arctic and alpine lakes, including consumers' diet composition, the relative importance of benthic versus pelagic energy pathways, and food chain length. Work tasks: The PhD student will work within an international consortium with collaborative partners from both the Nordic region and North America. The project will utilize samples and data collected from arctic and alpine lakes in Sweden and other circumpolar regions. Implementation includes, among other things: Seasonal sampling of food web components, from primary producers to fish, under both ice-free conditions (summer) and under ice cover (winter). Analysis of biomarkers (PUFA and cyanotoxins) in biological samples using chromatographic techniques. Integration and compilation of previously collected data with newly gathered data on fatty acids, cyanotoxins, and stable isotopes. Application of Bayesian mixing models to investigate consumer diet composition and food web flows. Eligibility: Basic eligibility is held by those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credit points (hp), of which at least 60 hp at advanced level, or who in another way within or outside the country have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge (the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39). Specific eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in Biology with specialization in Ecology is held by those with knowledge corresponding to at least 90 higher education credit points (hp) in biological subjects. These must include an independent work and at least 30 hp must be at advanced level. Furthermore, you must have English language skills equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school. Your background: Applicants should have a degree in aquatic ecology, limnology, ecology, or equivalent. Experience with biological sampling during winter in ice-covered lakes is highly meritorious. Good knowledge of statistical analysis, experience with scientific publishing, and very good ability to express yourself in Swedish orally and in writing are meritorious. Knowledge of aquatic food webs (e.g., algae, macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, fish), arctic ecology, and/or biogeochemistry is advantageous. Experience with relevant methods for biological sampling and analysis of biomarkers is also meritorious. Great weight will also be placed on personal qualities, such as ability for critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to work both independently and in groups. Good knowledge of English orally and in writing as well as a valid driving license in Sweden are required. About us: The Department of Water and Environment is a center of excellence for applied environmental research with national responsibility for monitoring the environmental status of Swedish lakes and watercourses with respect to water chemistry, environmental contaminants, and aquatic biota. Research at the department focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology, and environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department has over 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/PhD students and the other half are technical and administrative staff. More information about the department: http://www.slu.se/vatten-miljo 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 PhD student (4 years of education). The salary for PhD employment follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps. Extent: 100% Location: Uppsala Start date: December 2026. Application and selection: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by 2026-10-12. 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 is made based on the attachments included in the application and will be made with consideration to the ability to complete the education within the set time. Trade union contact persons https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in development toward sustainable living, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between people, animals, and ecosystems and responsible stewardship of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable social development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental farms, and educational facilities throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and graduate students, and a turnover exceeding 4.5 billion kronor. The university invests in attractive environments at its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.