Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment
Third-cycle subject area

Biology

Description of the doctoral project

The PhD project aims to improve our understanding of cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and marine environments across Sweden. It addresses questions such as how and why blooms have increased in many Swedish lakes, as well as the specific effects on toxin‑producing species. The project will include, among other things: I) determining how cyanobacterial blooms have changed in Swedish lakes over recent decades and what drives these changes; II) assessing whether locally adapted cyanobacteria can spread to new environments; III) isolating and identifying toxin‑producing species from different habitats; and IV) studying toxin degradation by heterotrophic bacteria and how this degradation may be influenced by shifts in environmental parameters.

The PhD student will join a research group that includes additional PhD students, a postdoc, and a laboratory assistant, all part of the Swedish Competence Centre for Algal Toxins (www.slu.se/algtox).

About the position

We are seeking a PhD student who will contribute to increasing our understanding of cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic environments, with a particular focus on their toxins. The studies will take place both in the field and in the laboratory and will focus on isolating and cultivating cyanobacteria under different conditions to understand, how they are adapted to various environments, and what may happen if these environments change.

Methods used will include;

• Analysis of lake monitoring data for understanding spatial and temporal trends of cyanobacteria and their drivers
• Isolation, cultivation, chemical techniques for toxin analysis (ELISA and LC‑MS)
• Molecular methods such as qPCR to study gene presence and metagenomics to investigate local adaptation

The work tasks will include isolating and maintaining cultures, studying them through microscopy, counting and identifying species, and setting up cultivation experiments.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in Biology. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have a degree in biology, environmental sciences, or closely related fields.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field. Strong written and spoken English skills are required. Experience in culturing, isolating, and growing phytoplankton is highly meriting. Skills in microscopy, setting up culture experiments, and species identification are also considered merits. Experience with toxin analyses such as ELISA and LC‑MS, molecular methods such as qPCR, as well as previous participation in field sampling, is advantageous.

We also place emphasis on personal qualities such as the ability to work collaboratively, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the capacity to work independently. Experience in analysing large datasets and in scientific writing or participation in scientific publications is also a merit. A driving license valid for use in Sweden is an asset.

About us

The Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment is working with applied environmental science, with a national responsibility for assessing the condition of Swedish surface waters with respect to water chemistry, pollution and aquatic biota. The research focuses on geochemical and hydrological processes, aquatic ecology and biodiversity, microbial ecology as well as on environmental chemistry and aquatic ecotoxicology. The department has about 150 employees, of which approximately half are researchers/doctoral students and the other half are technical and administrative staff.

For more information about the department visit: www.slu.se/aquatic-sciences

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment / Funding
Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme).

Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location:
Uppsala

Scope:
100%

Start date:
July 2026

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 25 May 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.