Summary
Lund University is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position (doctoral studentship) in Biology with a specialisation in Microbial Ecology. Hosted within the Microbial Biogeochemistry in Lund (MBLU) research environment at the Department of Biology, the doctoral student will investigate how soil microbial communities adapt traits to withstand and recover from drought stress, integrating laboratory experiments, isotope tracing, and field research.
Doctoral Student in Biology with a Specialisation in Microbial Ecology
Designation
Doctoral Student / PhD Candidate (Doktorandanställning)
Key Information Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Institution | Lund University (Faculty of Science, Department of Biology) |
| Research Group | Microbial Biogeochemistry in Lund (MBLU) |
| Position Type | Full-time (100%), Fixed-term (4 years) |
| Remuneration | Standard Swedish Doctoral Monthly Salary Scale + Benefits & Pension |
| Reference Number | PA2026/2281 |
| Primary Supervisors | Prof. Johannes Rousk & Dr. Lettice Hicks |
| Application Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Biology, Soil Microbial Ecology, Biogeochemistry, Ecosystem Ecology
- Project Focus: Investigating the physiological, ecological, and evolutionary mechanisms of soil microbial resilience and resistance to drought. This includes tracking microbial growth rates using radio- and stable-isotope tracing methods, quantifying carbon and nutrient cycling, and translating empirical findings into mathematical functions for ecosystem process models.
Location
- City: Lund
- County: Skåne
- Country: Sweden
Eligibility & Qualifications
General & Specific Requirements
- A second-cycle degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, with at least 60 credits at the advanced level in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, or a related discipline.
- Completion of an independent thesis/degree project in a relevant subject comprising at least 30 higher education credits.
Additional Requirements & Selection Criteria
- Documented laboratory experience, ideally involving microbial or biochemical analytical methods.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct independent research.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- Preferred assets: Experience with isotope-based tracing methods (stable/radioisotopes), field-work execution, and statistical analysis of large biological datasets.
Scholarship / Employment Description
In Sweden, doctoral candidates are admitted as university students while simultaneously hired as salaried university employees:
- Duration: Standard full-time doctoral education lasts 4 years. If the candidate undertakes departmental duties (such as teaching undergraduate/advanced courses, up to a maximum of 20%), the total employment period is extended accordingly.
- Benefits: Full social benefits including statutory health coverage, parental leave, paid annual leave, and an occupational pension scheme under the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.
- Training: Comprehensive curriculum covering advanced doctoral coursework, research ethics, conference presentations, and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically in English through Lund University’s Varbi recruitment portal. Applicants must provide:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Personal Letter / Statement of Purpose: Explaining your motivation for pursuing the PhD and how your academic background aligns with the research project.
- Degree Certificates & Diplomas: Official documentation and transcripts demonstrating eligibility.
- Supporting Documents: Letters of recommendation, contact details of academic references, and copies of your Master’s thesis/publications.
Last Date for Apply
September 18, 2026
