Lund University in Sweden has announced a doctoral position in Microbial Ecology for candidates interested in understanding how soil microorganisms respond to environmental stress, particularly drought conditions.

This PhD opportunity is designed for researchers who want to explore the relationship between microbial communities, ecosystem functions, climate change, and global biogeochemical cycles.

The successful candidate will join a highly active research environment at Lund University and contribute to internationally recognized research on how microorganisms influence carbon and nutrient cycling across terrestrial ecosystems.

The position is based in Lund, Sweden, and provides doctoral training leading to a PhD degree in Biology.

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About Lund University

Lund University was established in 1666 and is one of Scandinavia’s leading research universities.

The university consistently ranks among the world’s top institutions and hosts approximately:

• 46,000 students
• 8,500 employees
• Research activities across multiple scientific disciplines

Lund University’s mission focuses on advancing knowledge, understanding complex global challenges, and improving human and environmental conditions through research and education.

For doctoral researchers, the university provides an international academic environment with access to advanced laboratories, research networks, and professional development opportunities.

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PhD Position Overview

Host Institution: Lund University, Sweden
Research Area: Microbial Ecology / Biology
Degree Level: Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Employment Type: Full-time temporary doctoral employment
Duration: Four years
Location: Lund, Skåne County, Sweden
Reference Number: PA2026/2281
Application Deadline: 18 September 2026

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Research Environment: Microbial Biogeochemistry in Lund (MBLU)

The doctoral researcher will become part of the Microbial Biogeochemistry in Lund (MBLU) research environment within the Department of Biology at Lund University.

The research group is supervised by:

• Professor Johannes Rousk
• Senior Researcher Dr. Lettice Hicks

MBLU brings together specialists from several fields, including:

• Microbial ecology
• Ecosystem ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Ecological modelling

The group investigates how soil microorganisms regulate global biogeochemical processes and how these processes respond to environmental changes.

Researchers study ecosystems across the world, including:

• Arctic tundra environments
• Tropical forests
• Semiarid grasslands
• Agricultural landscapes

The research focuses on understanding how microbial communities change due to environmental pressures such as:

• Soil moisture variation
• Temperature changes
• Nutrient limitations
• Salinity
• Soil acidity (pH)
• Agricultural practices
• Fertilization
• Metal contamination

The research combines field experiments, laboratory studies, and mathematical modelling to understand ecosystem responses at different scales.

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Research Project Description

The selected PhD candidate will investigate how soil microbial communities adapt to drought conditions and recover after drought stress.

The main research question is:

How do microbial communities develop resistance and resilience to drought, and what ecological, physiological, and evolutionary mechanisms drive these adaptations?

The project will examine:

• Microbial adaptation strategies
• Functional traits of soil microorganisms
• Microbial growth responses
• Ecosystem recovery after drought
• Carbon and nutrient cycling processes

The research will combine:

• Controlled laboratory experiments
• Greenhouse experiments
• Field-based ecosystem studies

The candidate may also contribute to ongoing drought simulation experiments conducted in Arctic and terrestrial ecosystems.

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Scientific Methods and Research Training

During the PhD, the researcher will develop expertise in advanced microbial ecology techniques.

A major component of the project involves measuring microbial growth in intact soil samples using:

• Stable isotope tracing
• Radioisotope techniques
• Biomarker analysis

These methods allow researchers to understand how microorganisms grow and function under different environmental conditions.

The doctoral student will also investigate microbial responses across environmental gradients, including changes in soil water availability.

The collected data will contribute to ecological models designed to predict ecosystem responses to future climate scenarios.

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Responsibilities of the Doctoral Student

The main responsibility of the PhD researcher is to conduct independent research leading to a doctoral thesis.

Key duties include:

Conducting Scientific Research

The doctoral student will:

• Design and perform experiments
• Analyse biological datasets
• Interpret ecological patterns
• Publish findings in international scientific journals

Laboratory and Field Research

The position includes extensive practical research involving:

• Soil sample analysis
• Laboratory experiments
• Greenhouse studies
• Field experiments such as rainfall exclusion treatments

Data Analysis

The candidate will work with large biological datasets and apply advanced analytical and statistical methods.

Scientific Communication

The researcher will present findings through:

• Research seminars
• International conferences
• Scientific publications

Teaching Responsibilities

Up to 20% of working time may involve departmental duties, mainly teaching.

Teaching opportunities may include:

• Undergraduate Biology courses
• Advanced Soil and Plant Ecology courses

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Doctoral Training at Lund University

A PhD position at Lund University provides more than research experience.

Doctoral students are trained to:

• Think critically and independently
• Develop scientific problem-solving skills
• Understand research ethics
• Communicate scientific ideas effectively
• Develop leadership and teaching abilities

The doctoral programme concludes with the completion and defense of a PhD thesis.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet both general and specific admission requirements.

General Admission Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A second-cycle university qualification (Master’s degree), or
• Equivalent academic qualifications including at least 240 higher education credits, with 60 credits at advanced level

Equivalent qualifications obtained outside Sweden may also be considered.

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Specific Requirements for Microbial Ecology PhD

Applicants should have completed independent research work, such as:

• A Master’s thesis
• Degree project
• Equivalent research project

The research work should normally represent at least 30 higher education credits in a relevant field.

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Additional Qualifications Required

Candidates should have an advanced degree (MSc or equivalent) in one of the following areas:

• Biology
• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Physical Geography
• Soil Science
• Biogeochemistry
• Related disciplines

Additional requirements include:

• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Previous research experience
• Ability to conduct independent scientific work
• Laboratory experience related to the project

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Preferred Selection Criteria

The selection committee will consider candidates based on their ability to benefit from doctoral training.

Additional advantages include experience with:

• Isotope-based research methods
• Field experiment planning
• Soil ecology research
• Data management
• Statistical analysis

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Benefits of the Lund University PhD Position

Lund University doctoral employees receive several employment benefits, including:

• Monthly salary
• Annual leave benefits
• Occupational pension scheme
• Access to international research networks
• Professional academic development opportunities

Doctoral students are treated as both university employees and registered students.

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Employment Details

The position is:

• Full-time
• Temporary doctoral employment
• Four-year doctoral programme

The employment begins according to agreement.

If the doctoral student performs teaching or other departmental responsibilities, the employment period may be extended accordingly.

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How to Apply for the Lund University PhD Scholarship

Applicants must submit their application ONLINE in English. Required documents include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should highlight:

• Academic background
• Research experience
• Laboratory skills
• Relevant publications or projects

2. Personal Motivation Letter

Applicants should explain:

• Why they are interested in microbial ecology
• How their background matches the research project
• Their motivation for joining Lund University

3. Academic Certificates

Applicants must provide:

• Degree certificates
• Study transcripts
• Evidence of eligibility

4. Supporting Documents

Additional documents may include:

• References
• Recommendation letters
• Academic achievements
• APPLY NOW

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: 18 September 2026

Starting Date: According to agreement

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Contact Information

Supervisor: Professor Johannes Rousk
Department: Biology, Lund University, Email: johannes.rousk@biol.lu.se

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is this Lund University PhD position open to international students?

Yes. The position welcomes qualified applicants from Sweden and other countries. Applicants must meet academic eligibility requirements and demonstrate strong English proficiency.

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2. Is this a fully funded PhD scholarship?

Yes. The doctoral position is a paid employment position at Lund University. The PhD researcher receives a monthly salary and employee benefits.

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3. What is the research topic of this PhD?

The research focuses on soil microbial ecology, especially how microorganisms adapt to drought and recover after environmental stress.

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4. What academic background is required?

Applicants should normally have a Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Physical Geography, or a closely related field.

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5. Do applicants need previous laboratory experience?

Yes. Practical laboratory research experience is required, especially experience related to microbial ecology or similar biological research.

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6. Is fieldwork included in this PhD?

Yes. The project includes field experiments, greenhouse studies, and laboratory-based investigations.

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7. What methods will the PhD student learn?

The researcher will gain experience with:

• Stable isotope tracing
• Radioisotope techniques
• Soil microbial growth measurements
• Biological data analysis
• Ecological modelling

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8. What is the deadline to apply?

The final application deadline is 18 September 2026.

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9. Can candidates from environmental science backgrounds apply?

Yes. Candidates from environmental science, soil science, ecology, and related disciplines may be considered if they have relevant research experience.

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10. Where is the PhD position located?

The position is located at Lund University in Lund, Skåne County, Sweden.