Department of Plant Protection Biology

Postdoctoral Position: Consequences of Microbial Induced Resistance on Trophic Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher for a new project on the consequences of microbial induced plant resistance (MIR) on trophic interactions in ecological systems. The postdoc will be part of a collaborative project titled "Mechanisms and Consequences of Microbial Induced Resistance on Trophic Interactions and Biocontrol Efficiency" funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Beneficial microorganisms can be used to colonize the rhizosphere of plants and influence plant defense mechanisms against pest insects. The project aims to quantify the short- and long-term effects of MIR on aphid populations feeding on pepper plants inoculated with root-colonizing fungi. The project will also investigate how the aphids' endosymbionts affect their host over multiple generations in relation to MIR and natural enemies.

About the Job

The project will combine plant-microbe-insect interactions with chemical ecology in a trophic network context, thereby contributing to our understanding of the potential of beneficial microbes in plant production. Specifically, the project will examine the interactive effect of MIR and aphid endosymbionts on the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from plants. The analyses of VOCs will be compared with behavioral experiments on hoverflies to evaluate how MIR affects plant-insect communication at higher trophic levels.

The postdoc's main tasks will be to conduct an independent research project under the supervision of a researcher. Specifically, the postdoc will develop and carry out behavioral experiments on hoverflies and chemical analyses of VOCs. Other tasks include cultivating plants, insects, and microorganisms, writing scientific manuscripts, presenting project results, and supervising students at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

The research project will be coordinated by Paul Becher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Alnarp, Sweden, in collaboration with Dr. Nicolai V. Meyling at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The postdoc will collaborate with a PhD student at the University of Copenhagen, where parts of the project will be conducted. The distance between the Alnarp campus and the institute in Copenhagen is approximately 1.5 hours by public transport.

Your Background

As a person, you are enthusiastic and responsible and have good collaborative skills. Additionally, you should meet the following requirements:

• Have a PhD in biology, ecology, analytical chemistry, or equivalent
• Educational and professional qualifications related to the scientific area of the position
• Experience in independent planning, execution, and evaluation of experiments, including statistical analysis
• Familiarity with theories and techniques in chemical ecology, chemical analyses, entomology, microbiology, plant science, and biological control is advantageous
• Interest in contributing to an international research environment and interdisciplinary research
• Curious mindset and interest in experimental biological systems
• Proven ability to speak, read, and write in English

As the postdoctoral position is a career-developing role for early-career researchers, we primarily seek candidates with a PhD that is no more than three years old.

About Us

The Department of Plant Protection Biology conducts interdisciplinary research encompassing chemical ecology, resistance biology, and integrated pest management research, providing excellent opportunities for strong research collaboration within and outside the department. The research efforts at the department focus on both fundamental and applied research. Applied plant protection research is conducted in collaboration with industry and primarily focuses on developing environmentally sustainable pest and plant disease control strategies within the agricultural and horticultural sectors, both in Sweden and internationally.

More information about the department: Department of Plant Protection Biology | External Website (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

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

Location:

The position is based at the Chemical Ecology Unit at the Department of Plant Protection Biology at SLU Alnarp, one of SLU's main campuses.

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

As agreed. Preferably September 2025.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-05-04.

Union Contact Persons:

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

The 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 farms, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students, and researchers, 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 rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.