Postdoctoral Position in Soil Microbiology and Nitrogen Cycle Ecology at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SciLifeLab PULSE) Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden

The Soil Microbiology team at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, led by Professor Sara Hallin, is seeking a postdoctoral researcher through the SciLifeLab PULSE postdoc program. This opportunity is ideal for candidates interested in the ecology, physiology, and evolution of microbes involved in the nitrogen cycle, with research spanning both experimental and computational approaches. The group addresses fundamental and applied questions in soil and rhizosphere microbiology, focusing on nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, and nitrogen leaching, with strong links to agricultural and environmental sustainability.

The PULSE program is a prestigious, fully funded postdoctoral fellowship supported by the European Union, offering advanced training, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development in molecular life sciences. Applicants can choose between academic and entrepreneurial tracks, both of which include international and intersectoral elements. The program is highly competitive and aims to recruit 48 postdocs in total, with 27 positions available in this call.

Eligibility requirements include holding a doctoral degree awarded within the last three years (with some exceptions for career breaks), compliance with the MSCA mobility rule (not having resided or worked in Sweden for more than 12 months in the past three years), and not being a permanent employee in the host lab. The successful candidate will join a vibrant research environment at SLU, a top-ranked international university known for its contributions to sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and biology. The Hallin group is internationally recognized for its research on soil microbial communities, nitrogen cycling, and ecosystem services, with numerous ongoing projects and collaborations.

Applicants are expected to design an individual research project in collaboration with Professor Hallin, focusing on topics such as the ecology of nitrogen-cycling microbes, microbial community structure, and the impact of environmental changes on soil processes. The position offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, a supportive academic community, and opportunities for secondments and research visits with associated partners.

The application deadline is March 16, 2026. Interested candidates should contact Professor Sara Hallin to discuss potential projects and obtain approval for partnership. Applications must be submitted through the SciLifeLab PULSE portal and include a cover letter, research proposal, CV, reference letters, and other required documents as detailed in the Guide for Applicants.

For more information, visit the SLU and SciLifeLab PULSE program websites, and review Professor Hallin's academic profile and publications for insight into the group's research focus.