Department of Plant Breeding

Are you an engaged researcher with experience in plant biology, molecular genetics, and virology? Do you want to be part of a dynamic research team at the Department of Plant Breeding at SLU and contribute to the sustainable agriculture of the future with protein crops? We are looking for a researcher who can participate in and lead projects focused on resistance to viruses and the development of innovative tools for breeding primarily peas, but other crops may also be relevant.

About the job

You will work on a research project aimed at improving virus resistance in peas. Your main tasks will include:

• Development of genomic tools to understand virus resistance and other important traits in peas and other crops.
• Analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic data to identify and validate relevant genes.
• Experimental work in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field including the development of protocols for phenotyping virus resistance, genetic and gene expression studies.
• Supervision of students and collaboration with other researchers.
• Planning and execution of field and greenhouse experiments as well as data collection related to phenotypic studies.

Your background

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with the following qualifications:

• PhD in virology, plant biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Documented experience working with marker and sequence data in plants and viruses.
• Experience in field and greenhouse experiments and data management.
• Good communication skills in English are required, as well as knowledge/beginning studies in one of the Scandinavian languages.
• Documented ability to publish scientific articles in international journals.
• Experience in student supervision or PhD supervision and collaboration with industry in research projects is an advantage.

About us

The department conducts research, education, and innovation to meet society's needs for food and industrial raw materials while striving to minimize environmental impact. We collaborate with growers and industries to create the crops of the future and contribute to sustainable solutions. The department is also engaged in the domestication and improvement of new crops as well as the development of genome-based breeding methods.

More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtforadling/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtforadling/)

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:

Alnarp

Employment type:

Permanent position. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Scope:

80%

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2025-12-10.

Union contact persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (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 fields, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral students, and 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. Therefore, we welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.