24 months Postdoctoral Researcher Job in Fungal Ecology at SLU, Sweden

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is inviting applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in fungal ecology at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology in Uppsala, Sweden. The position is based in the Soil Microbiology group and will contribute to a research project investigating the ecology, diversity, distribution, and biology of grassland fungi in Sweden.

The project focuses particularly on waxcaps and allied fungi, collectively known as CHEGD fungi. These conspicuous fruitbody-forming fungi are important indicators of semi-natural grasslands and are considered a group of global conservation concern. The postdoctoral researcher will have an opportunity to combine field ecology, fungal community analysis, DNA barcoding, stable isotope experiments, genomics, and potentially transcriptomics. The research will address fundamental questions in fungal ecology while also generating information that can contribute to improved conservation and management of threatened grassland fungi.

Research on Grassland Fungi and CHEGD Fungi

CHEGD fungi represent a diverse group of grassland-associated fungi whose presence can provide valuable information about the ecological condition of semi-natural grasslands. The project aims to improve understanding of the diversity, distribution, and biology of these fungi across Swedish grasslands with different management histories. Researchers will work with citizen scientists to document fungal diversity using both traditional mushroom inventories and DNA-based approaches.

Soil samples will be analyzed using DNA barcoding to complement observations of visible fruiting bodies. This combination of field inventories and molecular methods will provide a more comprehensive picture of fungal communities and their distribution. The project will also investigate the ecological processes underlying CHEGD fungal communities. Field experiments using stable isotopes, genomics, and potentially transcriptomics will be used to explore fundamental questions about the biology and ecology of these fungi.

Postdoctoral Research Responsibilities

The successful candidate will drive independent research within the broader project while collaborating closely with the project team and external partners. Responsibilities will include designing and conducting field experiments, performing laboratory analyses, analyzing research data, and preparing scientific manuscripts. The postdoctoral researcher will also collaborate with other researchers and contribute to communicating results through scientific publications and related research activities.

The position provides considerable scope for developing an independent research profile while working within an international research environment focused on fungal ecology and conservation.

Candidate Requirements

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in fungal ecology, mycology, microbiology, biology, or a related discipline. The ideal candidate will have experience with laboratory or field experiments involving microbial ecology, fungal biology, or conservation. Experience in analyzing fungal communities, genomic datasets, or transcriptomic data is also highly relevant.

Applicants should have knowledge of multivariate analysis and statistical modelling, as quantitative approaches will be important for understanding fungal communities and ecological patterns. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required.

Additional skills considered advantageous include experience with programming languages such as R or Python, previous fieldwork experience, and a valid driving licence. Beyond technical qualifications, SLU will place significant emphasis on the candidate’s interest in fungal ecology and personal qualities. Motivation, collaboration skills, accuracy, independence, and the ability to conduct research responsibly will be important considerations during the recruitment process.

Early-Career Research Opportunity

This postdoctoral position is intended as a career-development opportunity for a junior researcher. SLU is primarily seeking applicants whose doctoral degree was awarded within the past three years. The position is therefore particularly suitable for researchers who have recently completed a Ph.D. and want to develop expertise in fungal ecology, microbial ecology, conservation biology, molecular ecology, or related fields.

The combination of field research, laboratory methods, molecular analyses, quantitative ecology, and scientific publication can provide valuable experience for researchers planning future academic or research careers.

Research Environment at SLU

The Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology at SLU has an internationally recognized research profile focused on fundamental and applied questions involving plants, fungi, and other microorganisms. Research at the department covers areas including forest and agricultural plant pathology, plant-soil-microorganism interactions, microbial and molecular ecology, comparative genomics, and biological control.

The department addresses major environmental and agricultural challenges, including biodiversity loss, declining ecosystem functions, and the effects of indigenous and invasive pests and diseases. Its research also contributes to the development of more sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, particularly in the context of climate change. This provides a strong interdisciplinary environment for a postdoctoral researcher interested in connecting fundamental fungal biology with conservation and ecosystem management.

Location: Uppsala, Sweden

The position is based in Uppsala, Sweden, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. SLU has major campuses in Uppsala, Alnarp, and Umeå, as well as research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden. The university has approximately 4,000 employees and 6,000 students and doctoral students and maintains an international research environment.

SLU emphasizes inclusive and gender-equal working environments and welcomes researchers with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Position Details

Detail	Information
Position	Postdoctoral Researcher in Fungal Ecology
University	Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Department	Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
Research Group	Soil Microbiology
Location	Uppsala, Sweden
Research Focus	Grassland Fungi, CHEGD Fungi, Fungal Ecology
Duration	24 months
Possible Extension	Yes
Employment	Full time, 100%
Required Degree	Ph.D.
Preferred Career Stage	Doctorate awarded within the past 3 years
Methods	Field experiments, DNA barcoding, genomics, stable isotopes, statistical modelling
Programming	R/Python considered an advantage
Start Date	As agreed
Application Deadline	September 15, 2026
Reference Number	SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2102
Contact	Senior Lecturer Karina Clemmensen
Email	karina.clemmensen@slu.se

Application Requirements

Applications must be written in English and should include four main components. First, applicants should submit a cover letter of no more than two pages describing their background and explaining how their expertise and research interests match the project.

Second, applicants should provide a CV outlining their education, publications, and relevant professional or research experience. Third, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate should be included. Finally, applicants should provide the names and contact information of two references who are familiar with their scientific work. The application deadline is September 15, 2026. 

This position offers a distinctive opportunity to study fungi that are both scientifically interesting and important from a conservation perspective. CHEGD fungi are associated with semi-natural grasslands, and improving knowledge of their distribution and ecology can help inform efforts to conserve threatened fungal communities.

The project also combines several complementary research approaches. A researcher can gain experience connecting field observations, citizen science, soil DNA barcoding, experimental ecology, stable isotope techniques, genomics, and potentially transcriptomics.

For an early-career scientist specializing in fungal ecology, microbial ecology, mycology, molecular ecology, or conservation, this interdisciplinary environment can provide an excellent foundation for developing an independent research career.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their materials through Apply for this position system before the deadline. The position’s reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2102.

For questions about the research position, applicants can contact Karina Clemmensen, Senior Lecturer, at karina.clemmensen@slu.se or by telephone at +46 18 671874.

Apply for this position

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the research topic of this postdoc?

The project focuses on the ecology, diversity, distribution, and biology of grassland fungi in Sweden, particularly waxcaps and allied CHEGD fungi.

What are CHEGD fungi?

CHEGD refers to a group of conspicuous fruitbody-forming grassland fungi that includes waxcaps and allied fungi. They are associated with semi-natural grasslands and are considered important indicators of grassland condition and conservation value.

What research methods will be used?

The project may use mushroom inventories, soil DNA barcoding, field experiments, stable isotope approaches, genomics, and potentially transcriptomics, alongside statistical and community analyses.

What degree is required?

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in fungal ecology, mycology, microbiology, biology, or a related field.

How much post-Ph.D. experience is preferred?

The position is intended for junior researchers, and SLU primarily seeks candidates whose doctoral degree was awarded within the past three years.

Is programming experience required?

Programming skills in R or Python are considered a merit but are not listed as mandatory requirements.

Is fieldwork experience required?

Experience with field experiments is part of the desired profile. A driving licence and additional fieldwork experience are considered advantages.

Where is the position located?

The postdoctoral researcher will be based at SLU in Uppsala, Sweden.

How long is the appointment?

The position is a 24-month temporary appointment, with the possibility of extension.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline is September 15, 2026.

Who is the contact person?

The activity contact person is Senior Lecturer Karina Clemmensen, who can be reached at karina.clemmensen@slu.se.