Doctoral student in microbial resource limitation and element cycling in soils

This PhD position is in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

Soil microorganisms play a fundamental role in global biogeochemical cycles, shaping life on Earth and influencing climate change. Through the decomposition of organic matter, they regulate the balance between carbon stored in soils and carbon released into the atmosphere as CO2. Additionally, they drive nutrient cycling, determining the availability of essential elements for plants and crops, and also contributing to environmental challenges related to nutrient leaching.

Despite the critical role of soil microorganisms in element cycling, the extent to which it is constrained by the simultaneous limitation of multiple nutrients (co-limitation) remains poorly understood. This project will integrate laboratory experiments, field assessments, and modelling approaches to investigate microbial nutrient limitations across diverse ecosystems and climates. By improving our understanding of these processes, this research will contribute to the development of more sustainable land management strategies that enhance soil carbon storage, optimize nutrient availability, and mitigate negative environmental impacts. 

Work duties

The PhD student will investigate the co-limitation of organic matter decomposition by carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, aiming to improve our understanding of how multiple nutrient limitations shape soil microbial processes and element cycling in ecosystems. The main tasks include:

• Developing a simple and cost-efficient approach to assess and quantify resource co-limitation across different biomes, environmental conditions, and climates.
• Investigating the mechanisms of co-limitation by integrating microbial and organic matter assessments through laboratory experiments.
• Upscaling the implications of co-limitation for element cycling at the ecosystem level.
• Enhancing the mechanistic representation of microbial co-limitation in models.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The PhD project will also involve research stays at the University of Amsterdam.

The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification in a relevant field, such as environmental engineering, soil science, microbiology, or a related discipline,
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
  
  

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience with analytical methods, such as microbial physiological and biochemical assays or organic matter characterisation.
• Technical background in data analysis.
• Experience with basic mathematical principles and their application in modelling.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Matlab or Python .

Given the interdisciplinary nature of the project, a strong interest in learning and applying these techniques can compensate for limited prior experience.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the project and the subject of study.
2. Strong analytical skills. Interest in the topic and enthusiasm for learning.
3. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
4. Written and oral communication skills.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 7 §.

The advertised position will be located at Department of geography and ecosystem science (INES) within the Faculty of Science in 2025, to be transferred to the newly formed Department of Environmental and Earth Sciences within the same faculty from 1 January 2026.

By merging the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science, the Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem Science and the Department of Geology in a joint and co-located organisation, the new department will strengthen the link between different research fields, develop new educational programmes and promote collaboration with society.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• A cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining your interest in the position and how the research project aligns with your academic background and interests, how the research project aligns with your academic background and interests, and some thoughts/ideas on how to carry it on 
• A CV.
• A degree certificate or equivalent

The application can also contain other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!