Vacant job

Epidemiology of diseases relevant to Swedish food production

We are looking for an independent and motivated researcher to conduct data-driven studies on the epidemiology of pathogens causing diseases relevant to Swedish food production.

About the job

The research position is part of the multi-year program Knowledge Centre for Food Readiness. In data-driven epidemiology, statistics are used to process and merge surveillance data, identify patterns and risk factors using regression and time-series models, and quantify uncertainty in forecasts and intervention effects. Data-driven epidemiology therefore depends on access to extensive datasets.

The project is partly based on a new and unique time series of DNA-sequenced air samples from an agricultural landscape in southern Sweden, but other collected samples will also be analyzed. The duties include contributing to statistical and mathematical analyses of various types of data necessary to conduct data-driven epidemiological research on pathogens causing problems for Swedish food production.

In practice, this involves linking data on pathogens, hosts, environment, management, and movement patterns to identify patterns and risk factors to understand and reduce disease spread in plant and animal populations. For plant diseases, this may involve weather data, cultivation systems, and the presence of pathogens. For animal diseases, data on herds, movements, traceability, production systems, and surveillance are often used to assess transmission risk and control measures.

Your background

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in statistics, applied mathematics, or similar fields. In the research, you will work with large datasets, requiring skills in statistical analysis and programming in R or similar languages.

Since much of the data to be used is only available in Swedish and communication with other authorities will take place in Swedish, proficiency in Swedish, both spoken and written, is a requirement. The research will be conducted in an international environment and is expected to lead to scientific publications, requiring very good English skills, both spoken and written.

We place great emphasis on personal qualities and are looking for a creative and proactive person who can work independently but also collaborate within a larger research group.

The holder of the position may be subject to a security clearance check.

About us

The research position is located at the Department of Plant Biology, and the work is carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology and the Department of Animal Biosciences, all at SLU in Uppsala. The Department of Plant Biology offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up Uppsala BioCenter. At the Department of Plant Biology, basic and strategic plant biological research is conducted on agricultural crops, forest trees, and model plants.

The Knowledge Centre for Food Readiness is an interdisciplinary research center exploring how Sweden can strengthen its ability to deter, detect, and manage antagonistic threats to the food supply. The Centre's work focuses on four types of warfare: chemical, biological, economic, and information warfare. The purpose of the Centre is to develop new methods for detecting and managing antagonistic threats, as well as to develop and practice response strategies together with representatives from various parts of the food system. The Centre is a collaboration between the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the Swedish National Veterinary Institute (SVA), the Swedish Food Agency, and the Swedish Board of Agriculture.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/vbsg (https://www.slu.se/vbsg)

and the Knowledge Centre for Food Readiness: https://www.foi.se/om-foi/samarbetsprojekt/pagaende-samarbetsprojekt/kunskapscentrum-for-livsmedelsberedskap.html (https://www.foi.se/om-foi/samarbetsprojekt/pagaende-samarbetsprojekt/kunskapscentrum-for-livsmedelsberedskap.html)

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:

Uppsala.

Employment type:

Fixed-term employment for 12 months.

Scope:

100 %.

Start date:

Start date 2026-09-01, or by agreement.

Application:

Apply via the button below by 2026-06-15.

Union representatives:

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 life, 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. The main campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, demonstration parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.