Department of Plant Protection Biology

Are you curious about microbial interactions and sustainable plant protection? We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher interested in fundamental research at the intersection of microbial genetics and evolutionary ecology.

About the job

Biological control is seen as a cornerstone of sustainable plant protection. However, there are many knowledge gaps regarding the use of microbial biological control agents (BCA) for the control of plant diseases. We are interested in whether plant pathogens can develop resistance or tolerance to microbial BCAs and, if so, what are the mechanisms behind this? Using the model plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans, we will investigate their immune responses and evolutionary responses to experimental selection of the biological control organisms Aureobasidium pullulans and Pythium oligandrum.

You will be part of a collegial interdisciplinary team working on integrated plant protection, both from a molecular mechanistic and eco-evolutionary perspective. The tasks include designing, developing, conducting, and analyzing experiments. This will include small-scale field and greenhouse trials as well as in-depth molecular, biochemical, and microbiological studies. The position also includes writing scientific manuscripts, presenting project results at conferences and workshops, applying for grants, and supervising undergraduate or master's students when opportunities arise.

Your background

Candidates should have a PhD in a natural science subject, such as biology, ecology, plant pathology, microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related field.

Candidates are expected to have strong conceptual and theoretical knowledge in ecology and evolutionary biology as well as molecular interactions between plants and microbes. Previous research experience working with fungal and/or oomycete pathogens, biological control agents, and functional characterization of microbial genes is advantageous. The candidate should also have an excellent understanding of and ability to independently perform both bioinformatics and statistical analyses. Good proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

You should be able to work independently to plan, conduct, and evaluate experiments or theoretical work. As a person, you are enthusiastic and responsible and have a very good ability to collaborate with others.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily seeking individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About us

The Department of Plant Protection Biology conducts interdisciplinary research in plant protection and involves integrated plant protection, chemical ecology, and resistance biology, providing excellent opportunities for research collaboration both within and outside the department. The department conducts both fundamental and applied research. Applied plant protection research is conducted in collaboration with industry and agriculture and aims to develop environmentally sustainable control methods against pests in agriculture and horticulture in Sweden and internationally.

Within the field of Integrated Plant Protection, our goal is to generate knowledge that can be used for the development of sustainable plant protection strategies for the control of pests and plant diseases. These solutions are based on knowledge from conceptual theory and empirical eco-evolutionary, molecular, and genetic data that can meet the needs of current and future plant production systems.

For more information about the department, visit https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtskyddsbiologi/ (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtskyddsbiologi/)

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:

Temporary employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

By agreement, but preferably as soon as possible.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-12-31.

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 farms, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over three billion kronor. 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.