Sara Hallin

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.

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is advertising a 2-year postdoctoral researcher position in fungal ecology within the Soil Microbiology Group at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology in Uppsala, Sweden. The project focuses on grassland fungi , especially the waxcaps and allied CHEGD fungi , which are important indicators of semi-natural grasslands and of conservation concern. The successful candidate will work with citizen scientists to map fungal diversity across grasslands with different management histories using mushroom inventories and DNA barcodes in soils . The research also includes field experiments and advanced approaches such as stable isotopes , genomics , and potentially transcriptomics . This is a research-intensive postdoc for someone who wants to combine basic fungal ecology with applied conservation relevance. The postdoc is expected to drive independent research, including fieldwork, laboratory analyses, data analysis, and scientific writing in collaboration with the project team and external collaborators. Eligibility highlights: a PhD in fungal ecology, mycology, microbiology, biology, or a related field; experience with laboratory or field experiments in microbial ecology, fungal biology, or conservation; experience with fungal community, genomic, or transcriptomic analyses; knowledge of multivariate analyses and statistical modelling; and strong English communication skills. Programming skills in Python or R, fieldwork experience, and a driving licence are considered merits. SLU gives preference to candidates whose doctoral degree was awarded within the past three years. Funding and appointment: temporary employment for 24 months, full-time, with the possibility of extension. No stipend amount is stated. Application deadline: 15 September 2026. Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, copy of doctoral degree certificate, and contact details for two referees through the SLU application portal.