PhD position in biology, specialisation in aquatic ecology
Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet · Stockholm · 6 månader eller längre · Deadline 2026-11-30
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is recruiting a **PhD position in biology with a specialisation in aquatic ecology**, based at the Institute of Freshwater Research in Drottningholm, Stockholm. This full-time, four-year doctoral studentship focuses on management and conservation methods for critically endangered Anguillid eels, specifically evaluating and optimising Trap and Transport (T&T) practices to reduce hydropower turbine mortality and aid river migration. Supervised thesis work involves **field experiments including eel handling and tagging**, existing data analysis, modelling, and international collaboration with researchers in Northern Ireland and Finland to develop best-practice guidelines. Applicants must satisfy general doctoral entry requirements through a second-cycle degree, at least 240 higher education credits with 60 at the second cycle, or substantially equivalent knowledge. Specific entry requirements demand at least 90 credits in biology-related subjects, including a degree project and a minimum of 30 second-cycle credits, alongside English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary English 6. Selection prioritises the ability to complete the programme successfully. Meriting assets include a **driver’s licence**, prior experience in animal experiments, fieldwork, fish handling, statistical analysis of large datasets, independent writing, workshop organisation, and collaboration with industry or management agencies.
Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua)
Third-cycle subject area
Biology
Description of the doctoral project
A PhD position in biology with specialisation in aquatic ecology is available at the Department of Aquatic Resources at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU Aqua). The theme of the PhD project is on management and conservation methods of critically endangered fishes, focusing on Anguillid eels. Trap and Transport (T&T) is a management method used to enable fish to continue their migration in fragmented riverine systems, and to reduce hydropower turbine mortality for downstream migrating fish. Today, we lack knowledge regarding how T&T should be conducted to optimize the method from an eel’s perspective. The aim of this project is to answer some of these knowledge gaps through field studies, experiments, analysis of existing data, modelling, and via international expert knowledge exchange. The main questions that will be addressed are:
- How can the core aspects of the T&T process be optimized from an eel’s perspective?
- How is T&T currently conducted in different countries and what can we learn from each other?
- In which Swedish watersheds should T&T be prioritized today and in the future?
- In addition, the project aims to develop best practice guidelines for T&T to be used at a national and international scale.
About the position
The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, including development of the PhD student's methodological, theoretical, analytical, writing, and presentation skills. The PhD student will conduct experiments in the field, including handling of eels, tagging and more. The work will be done at SLU Aqua in Drottningholm (Stockholm), and at various field sites.
The position includes collaboration with international researchers, and one of the co-supervisors is Dr. Derek Evans at the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI), Northern Ireland. The student will also collaborate closely with Dr. Jani Helminen, Natural Resources Institute (LUKE) Finland.
Requirements
To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).
Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in biology. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have at least 90 HEC in biology-related subjects. This must include a degree project, and at least 30 HEC must be at second-cycle level.
You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.
Desirable experience
- Experience with animal experiments and/or fieldwork.
- Experience working with fish.
- Experience with relevant practical and statistical methods.
- Experience with independent writing.
- Experience with organising workshops or large meetings.
- Experience with analysis of large datasets.
- Experience in collaboration with commercial fishers, industries and management agencies.
- Will contribute to a good working climate.
- Good communication skills in English, written and spoken.
- Driver’s licence.
- Great emphasis on personal qualities, collaboration skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities, and capacity for independent work.
About us
At the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua) we are passionate about conservation and sustainable management of aquatic animals, including fish. We are geographically distributed across Sweden, and this PhD position will be based in Stockholm at the Institute of Freshwater Research, beautifully situated on the countryside on the island of Lovön right by lake Mälaren. We offer:
- An excellent and professionally stimulating working environment with dedicated colleagues
- Access to a broad international network of scientists
- Salary as PhD research fellow in the state salary scale
- Good welfare benefits
Read more about SLU Aqua: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/aquatic-resources/
Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/
Read more about PhD courses and PhD study programmes: https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/
Form of employment and salary Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme)
Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.
Scope
100%
Location
Drottningholm, Stockholm
Start date
2027-04-01, or upon agreement.
Application and selection Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 30 November 2027.
Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/
Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.
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.