Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoctoral stipend: Biological nitrogen fixation and interactions among diazotrophs, fungi, and plants in boreal forests

About the Fellowship

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Forest Ecology and Management, invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship focused on biological nitrogen fixation in boreal forests. The position is based in Umeå and funded by a research stipend from the Kempe Foundation (30,000 SEK per month, tax-free, paid bi-annually). The successful candidate will join the Forest Vegetation Ecology group under the supervision of Dr. Stefan Hupperts and Prof. Michael Gundale.

Research Focus

The postdoctoral fellow will investigate biological nitrogen fixation activity in key ecological niches of boreal forests, including soil, deadwood, and mosses. Research will involve field and/or greenhouse experiments deploying techniques such as stable isotope labeling and DNA-based approaches. The project may also explore interactions among nitrogen-fixing organisms (diazotrophs), fungi, and plants.

Your Profile

Qualifications

• A PhD in forest ecology or a closely related field (e.g., plant community ecology, microbial ecology, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, ecosystem science, community/ecosystem genetics, or forestry).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated potential to publish in international peer-reviewed journals (evidence via CV and/or cover letter).

Desired Experience

• Field and/or laboratory experience, including in bioinformatics.
• Experience with stable isotope techniques, soil sampling, molecular or gene-based methods, or measurements of plant community composition and functional traits (beneficial but not required).

Career Stage

As a career-development opportunity for junior researchers, we primarily seek candidates who earned their PhD within the last three years.

About the Department

The Department of Forest Ecology and Management comprises approximately 115 staff members, including nine professors. Its mission is to advance understanding of forest ecosystems and inform sustainable management now and in the future.

Location and Funding

• Location: Umeå, Sweden.
• Funding: Two-year research stipend from the Kempe Foundation; 30,000 SEK per month, tax-free, paid bi-annually.
• Scope: 100% full-time.
• Start date: Flexible – from autumn 2026 to spring 2027, but no later than 15 April 2027.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 27 August 2026. Reference number: SLU.seksko.2026.4.1-74. For inquiries about the stipend position, contact Stefan Hupperts.

Original vacancy