Anna Schnürer

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden, is offering two PhD positions in the field of biogas production, with a particular focus on the digestion process and process microbiology. Biogas production is a key technology for achieving societal and environmental goals, including renewable energy generation, nutrient recycling, and increased self-sufficiency. The process relies on complex microbial communities whose balance is essential for efficient and stable biogas output. Research at the Department of Molecular Sciences covers both process operation and optimisation, as well as process microbiology, often in close integration. The PhD projects will focus on two main areas: (1) Biogas production from agricultural feedstocks, with an emphasis on process optimisation, and (2) Process microbiology, investigating how microbial activity is affected by operational conditions and how these changes relate to process function and stability. Candidates will have the opportunity to influence the detailed project design. Project 1 involves operating and evaluating laboratory-scale biogas processes to optimise biogas production and biofertiliser quality, using chemical and microbiological analyses and process modelling. Project 2 focuses on the microbiology of biogas processes, employing molecular biological methods and bioinformatics to analyse microbial communities in both laboratory and full-scale settings. The aim is to identify microorganisms and microbial markers associated with specific operating conditions, which can be used to predict process disturbances. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related field. Excellent English proficiency (written and spoken) is required. The ideal candidates are highly motivated, committed to advancing renewable energy systems, and possess strong communication and teamwork skills. Experience in biogas processes, modelling/programming, statistics, and Swedish language skills are considered advantageous. The positions are based at SLU’s Department of Molecular Sciences and are connected to the Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC), a national transdisciplinary centre of excellence, and the Interreg project BEAR (for Project 1), in collaboration with Luleå University of Technology and the University of Oulu. BSRC brings together researchers from Linköping University and SLU, along with approximately 50 private and public organizations representing the biogas value chain. The PhD positions are designed to promote co-production of knowledge between academia, industry, and the public sector. Both projects will be carried out within the Microbial Biotechnology research group, led by Professor Anna Schnürer, with additional supervision from other researchers and possible external supervisors from industry. The positions offer a full-time doctoral studentship for four years, with salary progression according to the local collective agreement for doctoral students. Applications must be submitted online by 2026-08-31. Applicants should specify which project(s) they are applying for, their first priority, and the reasons for their choice. Required documents should be attached as outlined on the SLU doctoral education application page. Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time. For further information about the department, doctoral studies, and benefits at SLU, please visit the provided links. The positions are located in Uppsala, Sweden, with a start date upon agreement but not later than December 2026.