Research Assistant Position (PhD level) in Nitrogen Fixation in Mycorrhiza and Forest Soils, Sweden

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is recruiting a Research Assistant to work on an environmental biogeochemistry project focused on nitrogen fixation in ectomycorrhizal tubercles and Swedish forest soils. The position is based at the Department of Soil and Environment in Uppsala, Sweden, and offers an opportunity to contribute to research at the intersection of soil biology, microbial ecology, mycorrhizal science and forest biogeochemistry.

The project will investigate how nitrogen fixation occurs in ectomycorrhizal tubercles, how it compares with nitrogen fixation by free-living microorganisms, and which biological and environmental factors control the process. This position could be particularly relevant to candidates with a master’s degree in biology and practical experience in molecular methods and fluorescence microscopy.

Research Assistant Position: Key Details

Category	Details
Position	Research Assistant
Research area	Nitrogen fixation, mycorrhiza and forest soil biogeochemistry
Department	Department of Soil and Environment
University	Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Location	Uppsala, Sweden
Employment type	Fixed-term employment
Contract duration	2 months, with possibility of extension
Scope	100%, full time
Start date	September 2026, or as agreed
Application deadline	21 August 2026
Reference number	SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2343
Working hours	Day
Employment level	Time-limited employment
Organization	SLU, Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Soil and Environment

About the Research Project

The research focuses on the biogeochemistry of forest soils, with particular attention to N2 fixation in ectomycorrhizal tubercles. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and is a major component of many biological processes in forest ecosystems.

Understanding where biologically available nitrogen comes from and how microorganisms contribute to nitrogen cycling is therefore important for understanding forest ecosystem functioning. The project will investigate nitrogen fixation associated with ectomycorrhizal tubercles and compare it with nitrogen fixation carried out by free-living microorganisms in Swedish forest soils. The research is designed to answer several important questions about the contribution of these biological processes to forest soil nutrient cycling.

Main Objectives of the Project

The successful Research Assistant will contribute to research addressing several connected objectives.

Quantifying N2 Fixation

One major objective is to quantify N2 fixation in ectomycorrhizal tubercles.

The project will examine how these fixation rates compare with N2 fixation performed by free-living microorganisms in Swedish forest soils. This comparison can help researchers better understand the relative importance of different nitrogen-fixing communities within forest ecosystems.

Understanding Factors Affecting Nitrogen Fixation

The project will also investigate the factors that influence the rate of nitrogen fixation in ectomycorrhizal tubercles. Identifying these factors can provide a better understanding of when and under what environmental conditions these structures contribute to nitrogen cycling.

Identifying the Microorganisms Involved

Another important objective is to identify the microorganisms responsible for catalysing the nitrogen fixation process. This component of the research will require an understanding of microbial communities and molecular approaches for studying microorganisms associated with plant and fungal structures.

Understanding Mycorrhizal Tubercles

The project will investigate the structure of mycorrhizal tubercles in greater detail. Understanding their physical and biological organization may help explain how microbial activity and nitrogen fixation are connected to these structures.

Scaling Nitrogen Fixation Rates

A further goal is to upscale N2 fixation rates to larger spatial scales. This could help researchers move from measurements at individual structures or experimental sites toward a broader understanding of nitrogen fixation across forest soil systems.

Who Can Apply?

The advertised position is aimed at candidates with a master’s degree in biology. Applicants should also have practical experience with molecular research techniques and fluorescence microscopy. Because the work involves forest soils, microorganisms and mycorrhizal structures, candidates with an interest in soil biology, microbial ecology, plant-microbe interactions, fungal biology or biogeochemistry may find the project particularly relevant.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A master’s degree in biology
• Experience with molecular methods
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy
• Fluent spoken English
• Fluent written English
• A standard Class B driving licence

The driving licence requirement is particularly relevant because the research may involve field-based work and access to forest research environments.

Why Molecular Methods and Microscopy Matter

Molecular methods can help researchers identify and characterize microorganisms associated with nitrogen fixation. Fluorescence microscopy, meanwhile, provides tools for examining biological structures and spatial relationships at a microscopic level. The combination of these approaches is valuable for research into mycorrhizal tubercles because the project seeks to connect microbial identity, biological structure and nitrogen fixation activity.

About the Department of Soil and Environment

The Department of Soil and Environment at SLU is a major research institution specializing in soil science in Sweden and internationally. Its research addresses fundamental soil properties and processes, as well as the ways in which soil functions respond to changing environmental conditions. Climate change is among the important environmental factors considered in the department’s research.

The department’s work combines research, environmental analysis and education to generate knowledge that can support sustainable land use and decision-making. Its research has applications in agriculture, forestry and urban environments. The department has an international working environment with approximately 100 employees.

Research Areas at the Department

Research is organized into seven major subject groups:

• Soil Biology
• Soil Nutrient Cycling
• Soil Chemistry
• Agricultural Water Management
• Soil and Environmental Physics
• Soil Mechanics and Soil Management
• Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils

The Research Assistant position is particularly connected to the Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils research area.

Research Infrastructure

The department provides access to a range of research infrastructure and specialized facilities.

These include:

• Soil chemistry laboratories
• Soil physics laboratories
• An X-ray scanner
• Long-term field experiments
• A lysimeter facility
• Field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta

These facilities support both laboratory-based and field-oriented research into soil processes and environmental systems. The department also participates in approximately 30 undergraduate and advanced-level courses, contributing to SLU’s wider education and research mission.

Soil, Water and Environment Center

The Department of Soil and Environment is part of the Soil, Water and Environment Center (MVM-center) at SLU. The centre provides connections between research areas involving water systems, recycling and bioenergy. Research carried out through the department is also aligned with national environmental and climate objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This broader context makes the position relevant to researchers interested in sustainability, ecosystem functioning, climate change and responsible land management.

Location: Uppsala, Sweden

The position is based in Uppsala, one of SLU’s main university locations. The department operates at Campus Ultuna, providing an academic environment that brings together research, education and environmental science. For candidates interested in Swedish environmental research, the Uppsala location provides access to a major concentration of scientific expertise and research infrastructure.

Employment Conditions

The position is offered as a fixed-term appointment of two months, with the possibility of an extension. The workload is 100%, meaning the position is full time. The expected start date is September 2026, or another date agreed upon with the successful candidate. Because the initial contract is short-term, applicants should carefully consider the stated possibility of extension when evaluating the opportunity.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is 21 August 2026. The vacancy was published on 14 August 2026, leaving a limited period for prospective applicants to prepare and submit their materials. 

Application Reference Number

The reference number for this position is: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2343 Applicants should keep this reference number available when reviewing the vacancy or communicating with SLU about the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through Apply for this position system. Applicants need to log in or register before applying for the position.

Before submission, candidates should carefully review their application to ensure that their academic qualifications, molecular research experience, microscopy skills, English proficiency and driving licence meet the requirements stated in the vacancy.

Contact Person

For questions concerning the research position, the listed contact person is:

Marie Spohn
Professor in Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Telephone: +46 730 321 569
Email: marie.spohn@slu.se

About the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences plays an important role in research and education related to sustainable development, natural resources and ecosystem interactions. SLU’s work focuses on the relationships between humans, animals and ecosystems and on responsible management of natural resources.

The university contributes research and education intended to support sustainable societal development and improved living conditions. SLU’s main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, while the university also operates research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites across 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 also emphasizes an inclusive and gender-equal working environment, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Important Dates at a Glance

Application deadline: 21 August 2026

Expected start date: September 2026 or as agreed

Contract: Fixed term, 2 months, with possibility of extension

Workload: 100%, full time

Location: Uppsala, Sweden

Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2343

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Research Assistant position about?

The position focuses on nitrogen fixation in ectomycorrhizal tubercles and forest soils. The project will investigate N2 fixation rates, the microorganisms involved, factors influencing fixation and the structure of mycorrhizal tubercles.

Where is the position located?

The position is based at the Department of Soil and Environment at SLU in Uppsala, Sweden.

What degree is required?

Applicants must have a master’s degree in biology.

Is previous research experience required?

The vacancy specifically requires experience with molecular methods and fluorescence microscopy. Candidates should therefore be able to demonstrate relevant practical research experience.

Is fluorescence microscopy required?

Yes. Experience in fluorescence microscopy is specifically listed among the requirements.

Are molecular biology skills required?

Yes. Applicants should have experience with molecular methods because these techniques are relevant to identifying and studying microorganisms involved in nitrogen fixation.

Is a driving licence required?

Yes. A standard Class B driving licence is required.

Does the position involve forest soil research?

Yes. The project is focused on the biogeochemistry of forest soils and nitrogen fixation in ectomycorrhizal tubercles and free-living microorganisms.

What are ectomycorrhizal tubercles?

Ectomycorrhizal tubercles are specialized structures associated with ectomycorrhizal fungi and plant roots. In this project, they are being studied as sites associated with nitrogen fixation and microbial activity.

How long is the employment contract?

The initial contract is for two months, with the possibility of an extension.

Is the position full time?

Yes. The position has a scope of 100%.

When does the position start?

The expected starting date is September 2026, or another date agreed upon with SLU.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 21 August 2026.

What is the vacancy reference number?

The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2343.

Who can applicants contact about the position?

The listed contact person is Marie Spohn, Professor in Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils. She can be contacted by telephone at +46 730 321 569 or by email at marie.spohn@slu.se.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Applicants must be fluent in both spoken and written English.

What research infrastructure is available?

The Department of Soil and Environment has soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, an X-ray scanner, long-term field experiments, a lysimeter facility and field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta.