PhD in Soil Microbial Ecology: Microbial Adaptation to Drought at Lund University

Job Description

The Microbial Biogeochemistry in Lund (MBLU) group in Lund University’s Department of Biology is recruiting a doctoral student in microbial ecology, supervised by Prof. Johannes Rousk and Dr. Lettice Hicks. The project asks whether and how soil microbial communities adapt their traits to perform better during and after drought, and what ecological, physiological or evolutionary processes lie behind that resilience, using lab, greenhouse and field experiments.

At a glance

• Position: Doctoral student (1 post), four years full time
• Where: Department of Biology, Lund
• Supervisors: Prof. Johannes Rousk and Dr. Lettice Hicks
• Apply by: 28 September 2026
• Apply: 28 September 2026

About the soil microbial ecology PhD

• Measure microbial growth in intact soils with stable- and radioisotope tracing into specific biomarkers
• Measure growth across gradients such as soil moisture and describe microbial trait distributions with functions usable in ecosystem models
• Combine field experiments (such as rainfall exclusion), greenhouse and laboratory microcosm studies, including existing drought experiments in arctic and other ecosystems
• Analyse large datasets, publish in international journals and present at conferences
• Teaching up to 20% of working time, for example in biology and soil and plant ecology courses

PhD applicants: browse our Find a supervisor directory to see who works in your area.

What Lund University is looking for

• General entry: a second-cycle degree, or 240 credits with 60 at second-cycle level, or equivalent
• Specific entry: an independent project (such as a degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject
• An MSc or equivalent in biology, ecology, environmental science, physical geography, soil science, biogeochemistry or a close field
• Excellent English, documented research experience, ability to work independently and practical lab experience

Nice to have

• Experience with isotope-based methods
• Planning and conducting fieldwork
• Data handling and statistical analysis

Pay and location

Lund’s advert does not state a salary. Doctoral studies at the Faculty of Science are four years of full-time study, extended if you teach.

How to apply

Apply through the official Lund University page. The closing date is 28 September 2026.

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