Department of Plant Production Ecology

We are looking for a researcher to work with remote sensing data for a 6-month position.

About the job

The work involves processing already collected spectral and agronomic data; leading and participating in projects that collect and utilize spectral and agronomic data, as well as writing scientific publications and applications for research funding.

Your background

The position requires that you have:

• PhD in remote sensing with applications in agriculture.
• Experience in remote sensing applied to agriculture (drones and satellites).
• Basic knowledge of Swedish.
• A valid drone license from the EU or Sweden.

It is advantageous to have:

• Programming skills (R, Python, Google Earth Engine).
• Experience with the following equipment and data: multispectral data, field spectrometers, hyperspectral cameras, satellite data (optical and radar), and equipment for soil moisture measurement.
• Knowledge in machine learning and data analysis.
• Knowledge of forage cultivation in a Swedish context.
• Good social skills.

About us

The Department of Plant Production Ecology contributes to solving applied problems through research, collaboration, and education on sustainable plant production. We teach and research plants for food, feed, and energy. The research and teaching focus on the cultivation of agricultural crops and their interaction with the surrounding environment. The research investigates how different production methods, cultivation environments, and systems affect yield and other ecosystem services, as well as product quality and the surrounding environment. We teach plant cultivation science, plant ecology, weed biology, and cropping systems from an ecological sustainability perspective. The department operates in both Uppsala and Umeå and is also responsible for the field stations Lövsta and Röbäcksdalen.

The overarching goal of the research group in Umeå is to create knowledge that promotes sustainable and competitive agricultural systems based on forage, such as grasslands, pastures, and whole crop silage, ensuring environmentally sustainable food production from ruminants. The research includes the development of growth models, plant production management using remote sensing tools and spectral techniques, as well as agronomic studies. Ongoing projects include the use of optical and radar-based satellite images, drone images, field spectrometry, and laboratory-based hyperspectral imaging.

Read more about our activities and infrastructures at: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtproduktionsekologi/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtproduktionsekologi/)

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:

Umeå.

Employment form:

Fixed-term employment for 6 months.

Extent:

100%.

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-03-17.

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 across the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 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 from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.