About the Job

Grass is the most widespread crop in Sweden and the driving force behind animal production. Additionally, they are important for carbon binding, fixing atmospheric nitrogen, and maintaining the function of various ecosystem services. Grasslands with greater biodiversity can be more productive, stable, and resilient to stress.

The research assistant will (1) assist researchers with planning, executing their research activities, and organizing data, (2) help with fieldwork and data collection at the Röbäcksdalen field station, (3) work on data collection within SITES.

Your Background

We are looking for a motivated recent graduate or a student in the final stages of their education to work on field research in the area of plant and forage agronomy.

Requirements:

• Education in agricultural sciences, with a degree or in the final stages of education.
• A strong interest in crop and forage agronomy.
• Excellent knowledge of English and Swedish, both spoken and written.
• Good social skills and the ability to work independently and in a team.
• Be physically fit and able to participate in field research.

Meritorious:

• Driving license valid in Sweden.
• Experience with software for analyzing experimental data.
• Valid Swedish drone certificate.
• Experience or interest in developing skills in precision agriculture.
• Personal qualities such as teamwork ability, accuracy, and independence will be of great importance in our selection of candidates.

About Us

The Department of Plant Production Ecology contributes to solutions through research, collaboration, and education on sustainable plant production. We educate and conduct research on plants for food, feed, and energy. Our research examines how different production methods, growing environments, and systems affect yield and other ecosystem services, as well as product quality and the surrounding environment. The department operates both in Uppsala and Umeå and is also responsible for the Lövsta and Röbäcksdalen field stations. Röbäcksdalen is an urban research center that provides a unique environment for applied research in environmental, ecological, and agricultural sciences. The Röbäcksdalen research station is part of the Swedish Research Council's initiative, Swedish Infrastructure for Ecosystem Sciences (SITES).

Umeå ranks at the top of the magazine Fokus's ranking of the best places to live in the country: "Umeå is Sweden's best municipality to live in": link (https://www.umea.se/flytta/arkiv/arkiv/nyheter/umeaarsverigesbastakommunattlevai.5.7811aed19029012e82a7a2.html)

More information about the department/division: link (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtproduktionsekologi/)

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

Location:

Umeå

Employment Type:

Temporary employment for 4-5 months

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

May 2025, by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2025-04-07.

Union Contacts:

link (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 operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

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