About the position
Phytoplankton are the base of lake food webs, and the mix of species changes sharply through the year as light, temperature, nutrients and grazing change. Different groups have different traits, which decide when each one thrives.
This PhD uses process-based biogeochemical models to work out how warming, eutrophication and extreme weather shift those seasonal patterns, which conditions open a window for particular groups, and what the future may bring. The results should improve forecasts of phytoplankton communities, with direct uses for how lakes function and for drinking water. The post is in the Limnology programme at Uppsala's Department of Ecology and Genetics, an international group studying inland waters from the microscopic to the global scale.
What you will do
- Handle large datasets and build and run process-based, dynamic lake models.
- Take doctoral courses and work in research teams.
- Teach as part of the post.
Who can apply
- A master's degree in limnology, aquatic ecology, environmental science, geoscience, biology, environmental engineering or a related subject by the start date, or at least 240 credits of university study including 60 at master's level with an independent project of at least 15 credits, or equivalent knowledge. You may apply before finishing your degree if you expect to complete it in time.
- Skills in advanced numerical methods, such as modelling, statistics or large-scale data analysis, and some programming experience, for example in R or Python.
- Very good spoken and written English.
- Advantages: experience with lake or other process-based models, knowledge of lake stratification and nutrient cycles, and an understanding of phytoplankton ecology.
What is offered
- Full-time, fixed-term employment as a doctoral student on Uppsala's doctoral salary scale, ending in March 2031.
- Start on 1 April 2027, or as agreed, at the Evolutionary Biology Centre in Uppsala.
- The post may involve a security check before you are hired.
How to apply
- Apply through Uppsala University's recruitment system, linked below, quoting reference UFV-PA 2026/2846.
- A cover letter of up to two pages on yourself, your research interests, why you want a PhD and why you suit this project.
- A CV, a short description of your education, your master's degree certificate and transcripts, and a copy of your master's thesis.
- Names and contact details (email and phone) of at least two referees, and any publications.