Department of Soil and Environment

We are looking for a postdoc to explore the dynamics of soil organic phosphorus using stable isotopes.

About the position

The group Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils in the Department of Soil and Environment is looking for a postdoc to explore soil organic matter dynamics. The position is part of the ERC consolidator project PHOSCYCLE. The postdoc will use stable isotopes to explore the turnover of organic phosphorus and other organic matter pools. In addition, the postdoc will study which factors control soil organic matter stoichiometry and the turnover of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. The postdoc will work with soils from long-term monitoring sites and sites that experienced a change from C3 to C4 vegetation. He/She will be part of a team of scientists that work together on closely related questions about dynamics of organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soils.

Your profile

We are looking for a postdoc with a PhD in biogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, soil science or similar, ideally received within the last three years. Experience in soil organic matter research and the use of isotopes is required. Knowledge about soil organic matter modelling is a merit. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate proficiency in statistical analyses and have a high proficiency in spoken and written English that includes very good scientific writing skills.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us

The Department of Soil and Environment is a leading soil research institution, both nationally and internationally. Our research focuses on fundamental soil properties and processes, as well as how soil functions are affected by changes in environmental conditions, including climate change. Through research, environmental analysis and education, we contribute knowledge about future sustainable land use and develop new solutions as a basis for decision-making in agriculture, forestry and the urban environment. The working environment at the department is international and we have around 100 employees.

Our research is carried out in seven subject groups with a focus on Soil Biology, Soil Nutrient Cycling, Soil Chemistry, Agricultural Water Management, Soil and Environmental Physics, Soil Mechanics and Soil Management, and the Biogeochemistry of Forest Soils. We are responsible for important research infrastructure in the form of soil chemistry and soil physics laboratories, an X-ray scanner, long-term field experiments, a lysimeter facility, and the field research stations at Lanna and Lövsta. The Department participates in approximately 30 courses at undergraduate and advanced level.

We are a part of the Soil, Water and Environment Center at SLU (MVM-center), which provides links to research on water systems, recycling and bioenergy. Our work is aligned to national environmental and climate goals as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals. We are situated at Campus Ultuna in Uppsala and in Skara. Read more about the department here (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/soil-environment/).

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As soon as possible, subject to negotiation.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 15th of July 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.