PhD Position in Characterization of Boreal Soil Proteins and Their Role in Soil Nitrogen Turnover at SLU

Nitrogen availability is an important limitation on plant growth and carbon sequestration in boreal forest ecosystems. Although proteins represent a substantial part of the nitrogen pool in soils, relatively little is known about the composition and properties of soil proteins or the processes controlling their breakdown into amino acids.

This four-year doctoral project will address this knowledge gap through laboratory-based research on natural soils collected from mesocosm and field experiments. The analytical work will be carried out in close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform, providing the doctoral researcher with an opportunity to develop expertise in soil science, protein analysis, proteomics, and quantitative data analysis. The position is full-time and based in Umeå, Sweden, with an expected start during autumn 2026. The application deadline is 20 August 2026.

About the Doctoral Research Project

Nitrogen is one of the key nutrients controlling plant productivity in boreal forest ecosystems. Its availability can influence plant growth, forest productivity, and carbon sequestration, making nitrogen cycling an important component of forest ecosystem functioning.

A significant proportion of soil nitrogen is contained in proteins. However, the mechanisms that determine how these proteins break down into amino acids and subsequently contribute to nitrogen turnover remain insufficiently understood. More detailed knowledge of soil protein composition and degradation could therefore improve our understanding of how nitrogen becomes available within boreal forest soils.

The PhD project will investigate the composition of soil proteins and the mechanisms controlling their breakdown and contribution to nitrogen turnover. The research will focus on natural soils obtained from mesocosm and field experiments, with most of the doctoral candidate’s work taking place in the laboratory.

Through this research, the project aims to provide new insight into the molecular processes underlying soil nitrogen cycling. The findings may help explain how forest soils regulate nutrient availability and how changes in environmental conditions influence nitrogen dynamics in boreal ecosystems.

Laboratory Research and Proteomics

The doctoral researcher will undertake analytical work in close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform. This collaboration provides access to specialised expertise and analytical infrastructure for studying proteins and complex biological samples. The project offers the opportunity to work with modern approaches in soil protein characterization and potentially develop practical expertise in proteomics, protein chemistry, mass spectrometry, and biological data analysis.

The research is primarily laboratory-based, but the soils analysed will originate from both mesocosm and field experiments. This connection between experimental ecology and laboratory analysis will allow the doctoral candidate to investigate molecular processes within the broader context of forest ecosystem functioning.

Interdisciplinary Research Environment

The project is led by Sandra Jämtgård at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU, in collaboration with Maja Sundquist and Jonatan Klaminder. The doctoral candidate will become part of a multidisciplinary research team with expertise spanning plant ecophysiology, vegetation ecology, soil science, and proteomics. This combination of disciplines provides a strong environment for scientific exchange, discussion, and development. Working within an interdisciplinary team will also allow the PhD student to connect laboratory-based molecular analyses with ecological processes and ecosystem-level questions.

General Entry Requirements

To be eligible for doctoral education at SLU, applicants must meet the general entry requirements. Applicants must have been awarded a second-cycle Master’s qualification, or have completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at second-cycle level. Applicants may also qualify if they have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge through other studies or experience in Sweden or abroad, in accordance with the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance.

Specific Entry Requirements

For the third-cycle doctoral programme in Biology, applicants must have at least 90 higher education credits in biology-related subjects, including at least 30 credits at second-cycle level. Applicants must also meet English-language requirements equivalent to the Swedish upper-secondary qualification English B/6.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have a Master’s degree, or equivalent completed higher education studies, in biology, preferably with a focus on plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related subject. The successful candidate must have fluent English skills and be able to write, communicate, and work effectively in an English-speaking research environment.

Documented experience with laboratory work is required, as laboratory-based analyses form a central part of the project. Applicants must also demonstrate experience with univariate and multivariate statistical analysis. In addition to academic qualifications, SLU is looking for candidates with strong cooperation skills, problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and the capacity to work independently.

Meritorious Qualifications

The following experience will be considered an advantage:

• Experience with proteomics analysis.
• Experience with LC-MS/MS.
• Experience in protein chemistry.
• Experience with bioinformatic data analysis.

These skills can be particularly valuable for analysing complex protein datasets and interpreting molecular information in an ecological context.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate should be analytical, curious, and motivated to investigate fundamental questions in soil and forest ecology. Since the project involves collaboration across several research disciplines, good communication and cooperation skills are important.

At the same time, the doctoral researcher should be capable of planning and conducting laboratory work independently, solving research problems systematically, and managing analytical tasks in a structured way. The ability to connect detailed laboratory observations with broader biological and ecological questions will be an important strength for this project.

About the Department of Forest Ecology and Management

The PhD student will be employed at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU. The department has approximately 115 employees, including nine professors, and conducts research aimed at improving understanding of forest ecosystems and how forests should be managed both today and in the future.

The department provides an interdisciplinary environment for research into forest ecosystems, ecological processes, and sustainable forest management. Its research contributes to understanding how forests respond to environmental conditions and how scientific knowledge can support responsible management of forest resources. This environment makes the department a suitable setting for research connecting soil processes, nutrient cycling, plant function, and forest ecosystem dynamics.

About the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays an important role in the development of sustainable societies through science and education. The university focuses on interactions between humans, animals, ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources. SLU’s principal campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, while the university also operates research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

The university has approximately 4,000 employees and 6,000 students and doctoral students, with a turnover of more than SEK 4.5 billion. SLU aims to provide an inclusive and equal working environment in which different backgrounds and perspectives contribute to scientific discussion, creativity, and development.

PhD Employment and Funding

The position is offered as employment as a doctoral student for a four-year programme. The position is full-time, equivalent to 100% employment, and is based in Umeå, Sweden. Doctoral student salaries are determined according to the local collective agreement, with fixed salary progression. The expected start date is during autumn 2026, according to agreement with the successful candidate.

Application Deadline and Selection

The application deadline is 20 August 2026. Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the documents submitted with the application. The selection process will consider the applicant’s qualifications and their ability to successfully complete the doctoral programme within the allotted time.

Applicants should review SLU’s doctoral application requirements carefully and ensure that all required attachments are included.

Documents and Application

Applicants should submit their application through SLU’s recruitment system before the deadline. Information about the documents required for doctoral applications is available through SLU’s doctoral education resources. Candidates should be prepared to provide academic qualifications, transcripts, evidence of relevant experience, and other supporting documents requested in the application. Applicants will need to log in or register in order to submit an application for the position.

Contact Person

For questions about the doctoral project, applicants can contact:

Sandra Jämtgård
Department of Forest Ecology and Management
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Email: sandra.jamtgard@slu.se

Why Apply for This PhD?

This PhD position provides an opportunity to investigate an important but relatively understudied component of boreal forest ecosystem functioning: the role of soil proteins in nitrogen turnover. The project combines soil science, plant biology, proteomics, molecular analysis, and ecological research. Because nitrogen availability is closely connected to forest productivity and carbon sequestration, the findings could contribute to a deeper understanding of how boreal forest ecosystems function and respond to environmental change.

The close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform also provides an opportunity to develop specialised analytical skills while working within a multidisciplinary research team. Candidates interested in soil ecology, plant physiology, biochemistry, proteomics, molecular biology, or forest ecosystem science may find this PhD particularly relevant.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible candidates should submit their complete application through Apply for this position system before 20 August 2026.

Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-1987
Position: PhD Student
Research area: Biology
Project: Boreal soil proteins and soil nitrogen turnover
Location: Umeå, Sweden
Duration: 4 years
Workload: 100%, full-time
Expected start: Autumn 2026, according to agreement
Application deadline: 20 August 2026

Apply for this position

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is this PhD project about?

The project investigates the composition of proteins in boreal forest soils and their role in nitrogen turnover. It will examine the processes that control soil protein breakdown into amino acids and how these processes influence nitrogen availability.

2. Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU in Umeå, Sweden.

3. How long is the PhD programme?

The doctoral employment is for four years.

4. What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is 20 August 2026.

5. When is the expected start date?

The successful candidate is expected to start during autumn 2026, according to agreement.

6. What degree is required?

Applicants should have a Master’s degree, or equivalent qualifications, in biology, preferably with a focus on plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related subject.

7. How many biology credits are required?

Applicants must have at least 90 higher education credits in biology-related subjects, including at least 30 credits at second-cycle level.

8. Is laboratory experience required?

Yes. Documented laboratory experience is listed as a required qualification.

9. Is statistical analysis experience required?

Yes. Applicants should have documented experience with both univariate and multivariate analysis.

10. Is proteomics experience required?

Proteomics experience is listed as a meritorious qualification, meaning it is an advantage but is not mandatory.

11. What additional technical skills would be useful?

Experience with LC-MS/MS, protein chemistry, proteomics analysis, and bioinformatic data analysis would strengthen an application.

12. Who is the contact person for this PhD?

The main contact person is Sandra Jämtgård, who can be reached at sandra.jamtgard@slu.se.

13. What is the reference number?

The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-1987.

14. What research platform will the project collaborate with?

The analytical work will be conducted in close collaboration with the Umeå Proteomics Platform, providing access to specialised expertise in proteomics and analytical research.

15. Is this PhD mainly laboratory-based?

Yes. The doctoral candidate will primarily work in the laboratory, analysing natural soils obtained from mesocosm and field experiments.