Project Overview
About the Position
The Department of Ecology and Genetics, Limnology programme, at Uppsala University advertises a PhD student position in limnology: modelling phytoplankton succession in lakes (reference UFV-PA 2026/2846). The project explores the driving processes behind phytoplankton succession and assesses how phytoplankton will respond to future environmental changes.
Using process-based biogeochemical models, the doctoral student will study how environmental changes - such as climate warming, eutrophication and extreme weather - affect succession patterns in phytoplankton, and identify conditions that favour specific functional groups. The work improves forecasting of phytoplankton communities with direct applications to lake ecosystem function and drinking-water supply.
Duties and Research Focus
- Data management and process-based, dynamic modelling of lake ecosystems
- Simulating phytoplankton succession under climate and nutrient scenarios
- Teaching, coursework and collaboration within the research group
- The position sits at the intersection of physics, biogeochemistry and ecology, with a strong numerical component
Funding and Employment
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Paid doctoral student employment (full-time) |
| Salary | Monthly salary according to Uppsala University's established salary scale for doctoral positions. |
| Benefits | Swedish public-sector employment benefits including paid parental leave, vacation and occupational pension. |
| Regulation | Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (Hogskoleforordningen), chapter 5. |
| Period | 2027-04-01 to 2031-03-31 (full time, temporary employment as doctoral student) |
| Placement | Uppsala, Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General eligibility | Master's degree (advanced level) in limnology, aquatic ecology, environmental science, geoscience, biology, environmental technology or another relevant topic; or 240 higher-education credits including 60 advanced with an independent thesis; or equivalent knowledge. Candidates not yet graduated but expected to meet requirements by the access date may apply. |
| Numerical skills | Documented skills with advanced numerical methods (modelling, statistics or large-scale data analysis); programming experience, for example in R or Python, is required. |
| Merits | Previous experience with lake models or other process-based models, familiarity with lake processes such as stratification and aquatic biogeochemical cycles, and a good understanding of phytoplankton ecology. |
| English | Must be able to express themselves very well in both oral and written English. |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Status | Open when checked on 22 October 2026 |
| Deadline | 25 November 2026 |
| Reference | UFV-PA 2026/2846 |
| Access | 2027-04-01 or as agreed |
How to Apply
Apply through Uppsala University's recruitment system via the official link by 25 November 2026. The application should contain a personal letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your research interests and suitability, a CV, a brief description of your education, degree certificates and transcripts including your master's thesis, and contact details for at least two references. Contact: Jorrit Mesman, jorrit.mesman@ebc.uu.se.
About the Host Department
The Department of Ecology and Genetics at Uppsala University hosts the Limnology programme within the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), one of Europe's leading environments for evolutionary biology and ecology research.
Official Link
- Official advert and application (verified link)
- Apply in Uppsala University's recruitment system (official)
Contact
- Email: jorrit.mesman@ebc.uu.se
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 25 November 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden?
The application deadline is 25 November 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/Stockholm time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/Stockholm but gives no clock time.
Is PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. Salary per Swedish collective agreement (typically SEK 32,000–35,000/month initial).
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for Sweden. Applications are assessed by Uppsala University.
How do I apply for PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden?
Applications for PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden are submitted directly to Uppsala University through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for Sweden are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Student in Limnology: Modelling Phytoplankton Succession in Lakes at Uppsala University, Sweden offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
Uppsala University
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research university in Uppsala, Sweden, and the oldest university in the Nordic countries. Its research and education span science, medicine, technology, humanities and social sciences. Doctoral students are employed as paid researchers with monthly salaries across its departments.
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