Department of Soil and Environment
A 2-year postdoctoral position is being announced in the Soil and Environmental Physics research group at the Department of Soil and Environment at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala.
We are seeking a researcher with an interest in the interactions between the ecological, biogeochemical, and physical processes that shape the carbon cycle's response to global changes and how these interactions can be implemented in models of soil and ecosystems. Depending on the selected candidate's background and interests, the research project can be directed toward statistical analysis of literature data, process-based modeling, or a combination of these.
We offer a stimulating research environment with opportunities for collaboration with soil scientists and ecologists, both within SLU, nationally, and internationally.
About the Position
As a postdoctoral researcher in the project, you are expected to conduct independent research, including data collection from literature sources and databases, statistical data analysis, development and use of process-based mathematical models, writing scientific articles in collaboration with the project group and external partners, and presenting research results at seminars and conferences.
Your Background
To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a completed doctoral degree is required.
We are seeking highly motivated candidates with knowledge and experience in:
Formulating new research questions and hypotheses about processes governing carbon flows and carbon stocks in soil, vegetation, and ecosystems
Collection, harmonization, and statistical analysis of data on carbon flows and carbon stocks in soil, vegetation, or ecosystems from literature sources and databases
Development and use of process-based mathematical models for the carbon cycle in soil and ecosystems
We are particularly interested in candidates who can conceptualize and statistically or mathematically link processes that occur at different spatial or temporal scales, or between different levels of ecological organization (e.g., upscaling microbial processes to the ecosystem level; using functional plant traits to understand ecosystem carbon budgets).
Given the nature of the research project, we expect the selected candidate to be able to collaborate with soil scientists, ecologists, and biogeochemists. Experience publishing in high-ranking English-language journals is also a merit.
The position is intended for an early-career researcher, and we are primarily seeking individuals who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years ago.
About Us
The Department of Soil and Environment is a leading soil science center, both nationally and internationally. We conduct research on soil properties and fundamental functions, and study how environmental and climate changes affect soils. Through research, environmental analysis, and education, we contribute knowledge about sustainable soil use in the future and develop new solutions to inform decision-making in agriculture and forestry, as well as urban environments. The work environment at the department is international, and we have approximately 100 employees.
Research is conducted within seven subject groups focused on soil nutrient cycling, soil chemistry, soil biology, soil mechanics and tillage, biogeophysics, water management and water quality, and forest soil biogeochemistry. We are responsible for important research infrastructure including soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, a computed tomography scanner, long-term experiments, a lysimeter facility, and field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta, which offer infrastructure for plant cultivation experiments. In education, the department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced levels.
We are part of SLU's Soil, Water and Environment Center (MVM-centrum), with close contacts to environmental analysis and research on water, circular economy, and bioenergy, among other areas. Our activities contribute to meeting national environmental and climate goals and the UN's global sustainability goals. The department is located at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara. Learn more about the department at https://www.slu.se/mark.
Learn more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/
Location:
Uppsala
Employment Type:
Fixed-term employment 24 months, with some possibility of extension.
Full-time Equivalent:
100%
Start Date:
By agreement.
Application:
When applying, please submit the following documents:
Cover letter (max 1 page)
CV – degrees and other education, work experience, and list of publications
Contact information for 2–3 references
Project plan/research plan describing:
state of knowledge on the project topic as described in the announcement (max half a page)
knowledge gaps that must be addressed (max half a page)
proposed method for filling the identified gaps and how it relates to your knowledge/expertise and previous experience (max one page)
We welcome your application via the application button below by September 10, 2026.
Trade Union Contacts:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in developing sustainable living, grounded in 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 campuses 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 students, and a turnover exceeding 4.5 billion kronor. The University is investing in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work toward an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.Department of Soil and Environment
A 2-year postdoctoral position is being announced in the Soil and Environmental Physics research group at the Department of Soil and Environment at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala.
We are seeking a researcher with an interest in the interactions between the ecological, biogeochemical, and physical processes that shape the carbon cycle's response to global changes and how these interactions can be implemented in models of soil and ecosystems. Depending on the selected candidate's background and interests, the research project…