Department of Plant Protection Biology

About the Job

The researcher will work full-time on a VR-funded project focusing on how urban green spaces in Europe affect the spread of the West Nile virus (WNV). The project will investigate how vegetation structure, bird communities, and mosquito ecology interact to influence the emergence and spread of WNV in urban and peri-urban environments.

Your Background

• A PhD in entomology, ecology, or a related field is required.
• Applicants should also have 3-5 years of research experience, such as postdoc.
• Documented experience of field trials.
• Documented experience in mosquito ecology, disease ecology, wildlife monitoring, or host-vector interactions is required.
• Experience with molecular techniques (PCR, metabarcoding) and spatial analysis (GIS and/or R) is desirable.
• Experience working in BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories is an advantage.
• Excellent statistical skills and proficiency in English (written and spoken) are necessary.
• Personal qualities such as the ability to work independently and collaborate well with local and international partners are essential.

About Us

The Department of Plant Protection Biology at SLU is an interdisciplinary constellation, encompassing research units in chemical ecology, resistance biology, and integrated pest management, 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 research on disease vectors is conducted in collaboration with industry and primarily focuses on developing environmentally sustainable control strategies.

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

Permanent position. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Extent:

100%

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2025-12-22.

Union Contacts:

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 parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over 4.5 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. Therefore, we welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.