PhD Funded Position in Environmental Science at SLU, Sweden
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is offering a four-year PhD student position in Biology, with a specialisation in Environmental Science at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua). The PhD project focuses on assessing and prioritising coastal marine restoration measures. It will explore how ecological knowledge can be combined with social and economic considerations to improve restoration planning in coastal and marine environments.
The position is based at the Institute of Coastal Research in Uppsala, Sweden. The successful PhD student will work in a transdisciplinary research team involving ecology, sociology and economics. This opportunity is particularly relevant to graduates in environmental science, environmental management, aquatic ecology or related disciplines who want to develop expertise in spatial analysis, restoration planning and sustainable marine management.
PhD Position: Key Details
| Position Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Student |
| Subject area | Biology |
| Specialisation | Environmental Science |
| Research topic | Coastal marine restoration |
| Department | Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) |
| Institute | Institute of Coastal Research |
| University | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) |
| Location | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Employment | PhD student employment |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Workload | 100%, full time |
| Start date | 1 December 2026 or as agreed |
| Application deadline | 26 September 2026 |
| Reference number | SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2316 |
| Publishing date | 12 August 2026 |
| Working hours | Day |
| Occupation area | PhD |
| Employment level | Time-limited employment |
| Organization | SLU, Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Aquatic Resources |
About the Coastal Marine Restoration PhD Project
Coastal and marine ecosystems face an increasing need for restoration. However, restoring these environments is rarely a simple process because different pressures often occur at the same time.
Large-scale environmental changes can interact with local impacts. As a result, restoration planning needs to consider ecological conditions together with social and economic factors.
This PhD project aims to support more effective strategic planning for coastal marine restoration. The research will develop key performance indicators that can help assess the effectiveness of restoration measures.
These indicators will consider three important dimensions of sustainability: ecological, social and economic sustainability.
The project therefore goes beyond measuring ecological outcomes alone. It will examine how restoration decisions can deliver meaningful environmental benefits while also considering social priorities and economic costs.
What Will the PhD Research Investigate?
The PhD student will investigate how different restoration measures can be assessed and prioritised across coastal and marine environments.
A central part of the research will involve developing and testing key performance indicators. These indicators will help researchers and managers evaluate whether restoration measures achieve their intended goals.
The project will also examine how spatial information can improve restoration planning. By identifying areas with high nature values and potential restoration benefits, the research can help decision-makers determine where restoration efforts may have the greatest impact.
Another important goal is to identify hotspots where restoration measures could provide the greatest cost-effectiveness in relation to ecological, social and economic objectives.
Combining Ecology, Society and Economics
The project has a strongly interdisciplinary design.
The research team includes scientists working in ecology, sociology and economics. This approach recognizes that coastal restoration decisions affect both ecosystems and human communities.
The PhD student will therefore work across disciplinary boundaries and engage with different types of knowledge.
This could include scientific data, spatial information, stakeholder perspectives and management priorities.
The project aims to develop approaches that can translate this diverse knowledge into practical restoration planning.
Methods Used in the PhD
The successful candidate will use several research methods throughout the doctoral project.
These methods include:
- Stakeholder dialogues
- Spatial data analysis
- Geographic information systems
- Development of nature-value maps
- Indicator development
- Case-study validation
- Indicator testing
- Statistical analysis
- Ecological research methods
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
The exact combination of methods will develop as the PhD research progresses.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder collaboration is an important part of the project.
The PhD student will have close contact with managers from municipalities, county administrative boards and the Swedish Agency for Water and Marine Management.
This interaction will help connect academic research with real-world environmental management.
It will also provide an opportunity for the researcher to understand how scientific evidence is used when making decisions about coastal and marine restoration.
Spatial Analysis and Restoration Planning
Spatial analysis will be an important component of the research.
The PhD student will develop maps showing nature values in coastal and marine environments. These maps can provide important information for sustainable marine and coastal planning.
Spatial information can also help identify areas where restoration measures may produce significant ecological benefits.
By combining spatial data with social and economic information, the project aims to improve the ability to identify restoration priorities.
This approach can support more targeted investment in restoration and help decision-makers compare different restoration options.
Why This Research Matters
Coastal ecosystems provide important ecological and social benefits. However, restoration resources are limited, while the number of environmental pressures affecting coastal areas continues to grow.
Effective restoration therefore requires more than identifying areas that need improvement.
Decision-makers also need to know which measures are likely to work, where they should be implemented and how their benefits compare with their costs.
The research from this PhD project could contribute to answering these questions.
The results are intended to inform restoration measures at both local and national scales.
What Will the PhD Student Learn?
The main responsibility will be to conduct doctoral research under supervision.
The position is designed to support the development of the student’s skills as an independent researcher.
During the PhD, the student will develop methodological, theoretical and analytical skills. The programme will also strengthen scientific writing and presentation abilities.
Because the project involves multiple disciplines and external stakeholders, the researcher will gain experience in communicating scientific knowledge to different audiences.
Career Skills Developed Through the PhD
The project provides experience in several areas that are increasingly important in environmental research and management.
These include:
Environmental research: Understanding complex aquatic and coastal ecosystems.
Spatial analysis: Working with spatial data and developing maps for environmental planning.
Data analysis: Managing datasets and applying statistical methods.
Stakeholder engagement: Communicating with environmental managers and other stakeholders.
Scientific communication: Writing research papers and presenting scientific findings.
Interdisciplinary research: Working across ecology, sociology and economics.
These skills can be relevant to careers in academia, environmental consulting, government agencies, conservation organisations and marine management.
Requirements for the PhD Position
Applicants must meet the general entry requirements for doctoral education in Sweden.
Candidates should have a second-cycle qualification, such as a Master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants may also meet the requirement if they have completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.
The university also requires English language skills equivalent to the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.
Academic Background
By the date of admission to PhD studies, applicants should have a second-cycle degree in one of the following areas:
- Environmental science
- Environmental management
- Aquatic ecology
- Another relevant subject area
The university is also interested in applicants who demonstrate a genuine interest in research and a willingness to develop as independent researchers.
Skills and Personal Qualities
The successful candidate should be curious, motivated and collaborative.
The project involves both independent research and teamwork. Therefore, the ability to organize research tasks and work effectively with others is important.
SLU places particular emphasis on qualities such as curiosity, responsibility, teamwork and independence.
Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are also required.
Applicants should have skills in data management and statistical analysis.
Qualifications That Can Strengthen an Application
Several additional skills are considered merits for this PhD position.
These include:
- Experience with scientific writing
- Swedish language skills
- Knowledge of aquatic ecology
- Experience with geographical information systems
- Experience with spatial analysis
- Experience with sociological survey design
- Experience with ecological field studies
Not every additional qualification is mandatory. However, relevant experience can strengthen an applicant’s profile and demonstrate preparation for the interdisciplinary nature of the project.
About SLU Aqua
The Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) is one of the major research environments at SLU for aquatic science.
The department works with marine monitoring, management advice, research and education in aquatic ecology.
Its work covers seas, lakes and watercourses and aims to support the sustainable use and management of aquatic resources.
SLU Aqua has approximately 180 employees based across four main offices and four research stations.
The PhD position will be based at the Institute of Coastal Research in Uppsala.
Research Environment at the Institute of Coastal Research
The Institute of Coastal Research provides an environment for research into coastal and marine ecosystems.
For this PhD project, the institute will connect scientific research with practical restoration and management questions.
The researcher will work with both academic colleagues and external management partners.
This creates an opportunity to gain experience in research that has direct relevance to environmental decision-making.
Employment Conditions and Salary
The PhD position is offered as four years of employment.
The position is full time, with a scope of 100%.
Doctoral student salaries are determined according to the local collective agreement at SLU, and salary progression is fixed.
The expected start date is 1 December 2026, or another date agreed upon with the successful candidate.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 26 September 2026.
The position was published on 12 August 2026.
Applicants should allow sufficient time to prepare their academic documents and supporting materials before submitting the application.
How Applicants Are Selected
Selection among eligible applicants will be based on the documents submitted with the application.
SLU will assess applicants with regard to their ability to complete the doctoral programme within the allotted time.
This means applicants should clearly demonstrate their academic preparation, relevant research experience, analytical skills and motivation for doctoral research.
Application & Documents:
Applicants should follow Apply for this position application instructions when preparing their documents.
Candidates invited to an interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate or equivalent qualification and transcripts of records from previous first- and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution.
Applicants who are not Swedish citizens must also submit an attested copy of the passport information page containing their photograph and personal details if invited to interview. The official reference number for the position is: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2316
Contact Persons
Applicants can contact the following researchers about the position:
Lena Bergström
Associate Professor
Telephone: +46 (0)10-478 4116
Email: lena.bergstrom@slu.se
Dr. Carolyn Faithfull
Researcher
Telephone: +46 (0)10-478 4125
Email: carolyn.faithfull@slu.se
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this PhD position about?
The PhD focuses on coastal marine restoration. The research will develop indicators and spatial planning approaches to assess and prioritise restoration measures based on ecological, social and economic sustainability.
What is the PhD subject area?
The third-cycle subject area is Biology, with a specialisation in Environmental Science.
Where is the PhD position located?
The position is based at the Institute of Coastal Research in Uppsala, Sweden.
How long is the PhD position?
The employment period is four years.
Is the PhD position full time?
Yes. The position has a scope of 100%.
What degree do I need to apply?
Applicants should have a second-cycle degree, such as an MSc, in environmental science, environmental management, aquatic ecology or another relevant field by the time of admission.
Are there general doctoral admission requirements?
Yes. Applicants must meet the Swedish doctoral education entry requirements. This includes a relevant second-cycle qualification or equivalent higher education credits and the required English language proficiency.
Is English proficiency required?
Yes. Applicants must meet English language requirements equivalent to the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.
Is Swedish required?
No. Swedish is listed as a merit rather than a mandatory requirement.
Is experience with GIS required?
GIS and spatial analysis experience are considered meriting qualifications. They are not listed as mandatory requirements.
What research methods will the PhD student use?
The project will use stakeholder dialogues, spatial data analysis, case studies, indicator development and validation. Experience with GIS, statistical analysis and ecological research can therefore be useful.
Will the PhD student work with government or environmental managers?
Yes. The researcher will have close contact with managers from municipalities, county administrative boards and the Swedish Agency for Water and Marine Management.
Can applicants from outside Sweden apply?
Yes. The position is open to applicants who meet the academic and language requirements. Non-Swedish citizens invited to an interview must provide an attested copy of the relevant passport information page.
What salary will the PhD student receive?
Doctoral student salaries follow the local collective agreement at SLU. The vacancy states that salary progression is fixed.
When does the PhD position start?
The expected start date is 1 December 2026, or as agreed.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 26 September 2026.
What is the reference number?
The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2316.
Important Dates at a Glance
Application deadline: 26 September 2026
Start date: 1 December 2026 or as agreed
Employment: 4 years
Workload: 100%, full time
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Subject: Biology, specialisation in Environmental Science
Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2316
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