Vacant job

Department of Plant Protection Biology

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

About the position

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

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

Your background

Candidates must hold a PhD in a natural science field, such as biology, ecology, plant pathology, microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related discipline.

We expect candidates 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, biocontrol organisms, and functional characterization of microbial genes is desirable. The candidate should also have excellent understanding and the ability to independently perform both bioinformatic and statistical analyses. Good proficiency in spoken and written English is required.

You must be able to work independently in planning, conducting, and evaluating experiments or theoretical work. As a person, you are enthusiastic, responsible, and have a very good ability to collaborate with others.

This position is intended for a junior researcher, so we are primarily looking for individuals who obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About us

The Department of Plant Protection Biology conducts interdisciplinary research in plant protection, involving integrated pest management, chemical ecology, and resistance biology, providing excellent opportunities for research collaboration within and outside the department. We conduct both basic and applied research. Applied plant protection research is carried out in collaboration with industry and the agricultural sector, aiming to develop environmentally sustainable control methods against pests in agriculture and horticulture, both in Sweden and internationally.

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

More information about the department can be found at 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:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100 %

Start date:

As agreed, but preferably as soon as possible.

Application:

We welcome your application via the button below by June 30, 2026.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

About Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU)

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development towards a sustainable life, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and the 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, trial 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 strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. Therefore, we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.