Postdoctoral in Biological Nitrogen Fixation, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Stipend position in the Department of Forest Ecology and Management. The project focuses on understanding biological nitrogen fixation and interactions among nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, fungi, and plants in boreal forests. (SLU)

Postdoctoral Stipend in Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Forest Ecosystem Interactions

📌 Title

Postdoctoral Stipend: Biological Nitrogen Fixation and Interactions among Diazotrophs, Fungi, and Plants in Boreal Forests

📝 Summary

A two-year postdoctoral fellowship is available at SLU for researchers interested in forest ecology, microbial ecology, soil processes, and ecosystem science. The selected candidate will investigate biological nitrogen fixation processes in boreal forest ecosystems using field experiments, greenhouse studies, stable isotope techniques, and DNA-based approaches. (SLU)

Designation

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Scholarship Position)

🔬 Research Area

• Forest Ecology
• Biological Nitrogen Fixation
• Microbial Ecology
• Soil Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Ecosystem Science
• Plant–Microbe Interactions
• Boreal Forest Ecosystems
• Community and Ecosystem Genetics
  (SLU)

📍 Location

Department of Forest Ecology and Management, Umeå, Sweden
(SLU)

🎓 Eligibility / Qualification

Applicants should have:

• A PhD degree in Forest Ecology or a related field.
• Research expertise in areas such as:
  • Plant community ecology
  • Microbial ecology
  • Soil ecology
  • Biogeochemistry
  • Ecosystem science
  • Community and ecosystem genetics
  • Forestry
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
• Ability to conduct independent as well as collaborative research.
• Potential to publish research findings in international peer-reviewed journals.

Preferred experience (not mandatory):

• Stable isotope techniques
• Soil sampling
• Molecular or gene-based methods
• Plant community composition analysis
• Functional trait measurements
• Bioinformatics

Candidates who completed their doctoral degree within the last three years are particularly encouraged to apply. (SLU)

💼 Job Description

The selected postdoctoral researcher will:

• Study biological nitrogen fixation activity in boreal forest ecosystems.
• Investigate nitrogen fixation processes in ecological niches such as:
  • Soil
  • Deadwood
  • Mosses
• Conduct field and/or greenhouse experiments.
• Apply stable isotope labeling and DNA-based analytical methods.
• Explore interactions between nitrogen-fixing organisms (diazotrophs), fungi, and plants.
• Develop scientific publications for international journals.
• Work as part of the Forest Vegetation Ecology research group under the supervision of Dr. Stefan Hupperts and Prof. Michael Gundale. (SLU)

💰 Salary / Stipend

• SEK 30,000 per month (tax-free)
• Paid bi-annually during the two-year research stipend period.
• Funded by the Kempe Foundation. (SLU)

📝 How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit an online application through the SLU recruitment portal.

The application should include the following documents in English:

1. Cover Letter
   • Personal background
   • Motivation for applying
   • Brief description of proposed postdoctoral research interests
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Education details
   • Publications
   • Relevant research/work experience
3. Reference List
   • Names and contact details of three professional references

Applications must be submitted before the deadline. (SLU)

📅 Last Date for Apply

27 August 2026 (SLU)

Reference Number: SLU.seksko.2026.4.1-74 (SLU)

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