Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
4 days ago
PhD in Biology: Aquatic Ecology, Eel Conservation and Trap-and-Transport Management Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Full-time employment as a doctoral student in a four-year programme, with salary according to the local collective agreement and fixed salary progression. The position includes the standard benefits available to Swedish employees, including healthcare, paid leave, parental leave, pension earnings and other welfare benefits. Tuition coverage is not separately specified.
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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About this position
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is offering a full-time, four-year PhD position in Biology, specializing in aquatic ecology, at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua). The position is based in Drottningholm, Stockholm, Sweden, with fieldwork mainly in the Kävlingeån river in southern Sweden and at trap-and-transport fishing sites.
The doctoral project focuses on conservation and management methods for critically endangered anguillid eels. It will investigate how trap and transport can be optimized for downstream-migrating adult eels, compare practices across countries, identify Swedish watersheds where the method should be prioritized, and develop international best-practice guidelines.
The PhD student will conduct live-animal field experiments, eel handling and maintenance, behavioural and physiological studies, fish tagging, telemetry-data analysis, statistical modelling, qualitative survey research and international knowledge exchange. Duties also include collaboration with commercial fishers, hydropower companies and management agencies, organizing an international workshop, writing scientific papers and presenting research at conferences.
Applicants need a Master’s or equivalent second-cycle qualification, or 240 higher-education credits including at least 60 second-cycle credits. At least 90 credits must be in biology-related subjects, including a degree project, with 30 credits at second-cycle level. English proficiency equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary English B/6 is required. Experience in fish biology, animal experiments, fieldwork, statistics, large datasets, scientific writing and collaborative research is advantageous.
The position is a salaried doctoral-student employment with fixed salary progression under a local collective agreement and Swedish employee welfare benefits. The application deadline is 30 November 2026, and the expected start date is 1 April 2027 or by agreement.
Funding details
Full-time employment as a doctoral student in a four-year programme, with salary according to the local collective agreement and fixed salary progression. The position includes the standard benefits available to Swedish employees, including healthcare, paid leave, parental leave, pension earnings and other welfare benefits. Tuition coverage is not separately specified.
What's required
Applicants must hold a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, or have completed at least 240 higher-education credits including at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or possess substantially equivalent knowledge. Specific biology entry requirements include at least 90 higher-education credits in biology-related subjects, including a degree project, with at least 30 credits at second-cycle level. Applicants must meet English language requirements equivalent to Swedish upper-secondary English B/6. Desirable experience includes animal experiments or fieldwork, fish, practical and statistical methods, independent scientific writing, large-dataset analysis, workshop organization, collaboration with fishers, industry and management agencies, strong communication and teamwork, and a driving licence for field studies.
How to apply
Submit the application through the SLU ReachMee application portal by 30 November 2026. Include the attachments required for doctoral-student applications; applicants must log in or register to apply.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.