Department of Ecology

The Department of Ecology conducts research for sustainable agriculture, forestry production, and conservation biology. Our research group studies chemically mediated interactions between plants and the significance of plant-plant interactions on plants, pest insects, and their natural enemies. We generate knowledge on how these interactions can be applied in the development of future sustainable plant protection strategies.

Learn more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at this link (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/).

About the Job

We are looking for a researcher within the EU-funded research project OrganicYieldsUp, which aims to contribute to a sustainable increase in yields in organic farming systems through a comprehensive and structured compilation and evaluation of existing knowledge. Within this project, you will analyze and reflect on the appropriateness of methods to increase yields at local sites with varying pedoclimatic and structural conditions in Europe. You will develop and maintain networks within organic agriculture, administration, and research, both nationally and internationally. The researcher is expected to collaborate with research projects in chemical ecology and plant-insect interactions, which is the group's main research focus. In this part of the research, you will investigate how plant-plant interactions affect plant physiology and insect behavior. It is expected that the new researcher will obtain projects through their own applications and by participating in project development in national and international consortia. You will work in a group of senior researchers, postdocs, and PhD students, primarily in ecology but also collaborate with other researchers.

Your Background

We are looking for a skilled and motivated researcher who has a strong interest in ecology and is actively pursuing an academic career. The candidate should have completed and defended their PhD in chemical ecology, ecology, entomology, or a related field. Postdoctoral experience is advantageous. You should have the ability to quickly familiarize yourself with new research questions, identify key issues, and make situational assessments about how to proceed. You will be part of a group of international researchers with diverse backgrounds, so we need someone who can work both in a team and independently. The selection of the applicant will be based mainly on scientific skills and research experience in one or more of the following areas: sustainable plant production, as well as knowledge of the design and execution of laboratory experiments on interactions between plants and insects. Previous experience using olfactometer bioassays and tracking insect movements in NoldusEtho Vision to understand insect behavioral responses to chemical stimuli will be considered an advantage. Documented experience in preparing project applications and project management is a plus. The applicant must be able to write reports clearly and correctly. Willingness to participate in several projects running concurrently will be advantageous. In our recruitment, great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and skills, such as a high degree of self-motivation, the ability to work neatly, efficiently, responsibly, and pleasantly in a group context with shared facilities. The applicant must have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English and proven ability to write and publish peer-reviewed scientific articles and present research results at conferences.

Location:

Uppsala.

Employment Type:

Permanent position. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Extent:

100%.

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome to submit your application via the application button below by 2025-03-27.

Union Contacts:

Union contacts (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific integrity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.