Vacant job

Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences

Department of Energy and Technology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class university within the bio- and environmental sciences, with a vision to play a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. SLU offers an attractive research environment with uniquely broad and world-leading research, providing excellent opportunities for multi- and interdisciplinary collaborations with research groups within social sciences, economics, as well as engineering and natural sciences.

The Department of Energy and Technology at SLU conducts research and education on technology and systems for the production, conversion, and utilization of biomass and other biological resources. The activities include the development of technical processes as well as energy and circular systems, along with the analysis of environmental effects from a system perspective, in close collaboration with society and industry. The area of digitalization with a focus on agricultural technology at the Department of Energy and Technology focuses on technical solutions for efficient and sustainable farming. The research spans from machinery and work processes to systems for animal and plant production, with a focus on productivity and environmental performance. Digitalization, automation, and precision agriculture are central parts of the operations and are integrated with agronomic prerequisites. The area combines strong experimental and methodological competence with close collaboration with agricultural companies, industry, and advisory services. Teaching takes place primarily within the courses Mechatronics, 7.5 credits, and Automation and Decision Support, 7.5 credits, in the Civil Engineering in Biosystems program.

Subject Description

The subject covers digitalization in agriculture with a focus on the application of mechatronics or robotics.

Responsibilities

The incumbent shall within the subject for the appointment:

• develop and lead internationally outstanding research with a focus on crop production
• develop, lead, and participate in teaching at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels
• teach primarily within SLU's civil engineering programs, but also at other educational moments at undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels where the subject is included
• supervise doctoral students
• develop and maintain national and international networks with academia, relevant authorities, industry, organizations, and society at large
• apply for external research funding
• contribute to the strategic development of the department, faculty, and SLU
• communicate research results and other relevant subject information to the surrounding society
• perform administrative tasks within the department, faculty, and university

The department has a bilingual work environment. The University Lecturer will be able to perform most of their tasks in English. As a public authority, the university has Swedish as its main language according to the language law requirements, and the incumbent is expected to be able to communicate in Swedish within four years from the date of appointment. The department will support the incumbent in achieving this.

Qualifications

The applicant must meet the following qualification requirements:

• a doctoral degree or equivalent scientific competence
• scientific proficiency within the subject for the appointment
• teaching proficiency and the ability to integrate research and a scientific approach into their teaching
• good knowledge of English

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for appointment shall primarily concern the degree of such proficiency that is a requirement for qualification for the appointment. The assessment of the qualified applicant's suitability for the appointment will primarily be based on:

• completed research efforts and ongoing research within the subject
• the ability to independently initiate and conduct outstanding research
• the ability to obtain external research funding through competition
• planning, implementation, and examination as well as evaluation of own teaching
• supervision and examination at the doctoral level
• the ability to integrate research and a scientific approach into pedagogical work
• pedagogical vision and reflection

Furthermore, proficiency in:

• developing and leading activities within academia
• collaborating with external stakeholders and the surrounding society
• communicating research and development work

It is meritorious if the applicant has experience of research or development in the area of autonomous field robots.

The assessment of teaching proficiency shall be given equal care as the assessment of scientific proficiency. The appointment is offered to the qualified candidate who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is judged to have the best prerequisites for carrying out and developing current tasks and contributing to a positive development of the operations.

Last application date:

2026-10-19

Location:

Uppsala

Extent:

100%

Type of employment:

Permanent

Start date:

As agreed

Application:

It is desirable that the application is written in English, as the applications will be assessed by experts both in Sweden and abroad.

For guidance in your application, please refer to SLU's Employment Regulations for Teachers at SLU and General Assessment Criteria for the Appointment of Teachers, which you can find here: https://internt.slu.se/stod-service/admin-stod/hr-fragor/rekrytering-till_alla_ovriga_anstallningar/anstallning-av-larare/ (https://internt.slu.se/stod-service/admin-stod/hr-fragor/rekrytering-till_alla_ovriga_anstallningar/anstallning-av-larare/)

We welcome your application via the application button below.

Union Representatives:

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. 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 work 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. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current appointment.