PhD in Airborne eDNA for Tracking Biodiversity Change
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet / Högskolejobb / Umeå
2025-12-08
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WIFORCE Research School
Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That's why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (
https://www.slu.se/wiforce), was created.
Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the TRACE-AIR project, a cutting-edge research initiative in forest ecology, biodiversity monitoring, and molecular methods. The project explores how airborne environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to detect and monitor migratory species, invasive species, and pathogens across forest ecosystems affected by intensive forestry. Leveraging a globally unique 60-year archive of weekly air filter samples from Kiruna and newly collected samples from Skåne, the PhD student will help reconstruct biodiversity time series and assess how forest management impacts species dynamics. The position will involve lab and field work, bioinformatics, and ecological modeling. Results will inform future biodiversity monitoring frameworks, adaptive forest management, and conservation policy.
At the Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies we offer a creative and stimulating environment and perform internationally recognized basic and applied research, education and environmental monitoring in the areas of biodiversity restoration and conservation, fish biology, wildlife ecology and zoonoses. The department has a large proportion of international employees and well established national and international cooperation which gives opportunities for fruitful exchange. (Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies | slu.se)
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at
https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/Airborne eDNA and Forest Biodiversity Monitoring (TRACE-AIR Project)
Research subject Biology
Description:
The main objective of this PhD project is to use a globally unique and most extensive (1974 onwards) airborne environmental DNA (air eDNA) dataset from Sweden, to test if the air-eDNA method can be used as an innovative biodiversity monitoring tool to detect and analyze spatio-temporal changes in the presence, abundance, and outbreaks of ecologically critical taxa-migratory species, invasive species, and forest pathogens-under the influence of modern forestry practices in Sweden.
Building on this, the project aims to develop a robust monitoring framework and deliver evidence-based recommendations for the future conservation and management of forest ecosystems. The specific questions to be addressed fall under the three categories:
1. Method validation
2. Fundamental ecological processes & forestry impacts
3. Conservation & monitoring framework
Qualifications:
• Master's degree in ecology, biology, forestry, bioinformatics, or a related field
- Strong demonstrated interest in biodiversity, molecular methods, or forest ecology
- Advanced Skills in R/Python, GIS, bioinformatics, and molecular lab work
- Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams
- Strong English communication skills (written and spoken)
We Offer
• A fully funded 4-year PhD position
- Interdisciplinary training through WIFORCE Research School
- Access to a globally unique eDNA archive
- Field, lab, and modeling opportunities
- Supportive, international research environment
Place of work:
Umeå
Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as PhD student (4 years education).
Starting date:
According to agreement.
Application:
Click the "Apply" button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-02-10.
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master's) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here:
https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport's information page containing their photograph and personal details.
Read about the PhD education at SLU at
https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.
SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Ersättning Fast lön
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2026-02-10
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (org.nr 202100-2817),
http://www.slu.se Arbetsplats Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
Kontakt Navinder Singh
firstname.surname@slu.se Jobbnummer 9633973