Vacant job

Department of Plant Breeding

We are looking for a researcher to work on two projects focused on sustainable plant production: optimizing crops for northern light conditions and developing weed control based on RNA interference.

About the Job

The appointed person will plan and conduct experiments, primarily in controlled environments.

The work involves studying plant growth and development under long-day conditions and various light profiles, as well as molecular and physiological analyses. This includes analyzing plant responses to defined spectral light conditions, working with programmable LED systems, and evaluating the efficiency and risks of these methods.

The position also involves the development and evaluation of an RNA-based method for weed control. This includes the design and production of RNAi constructs, such as dsRNA, their application, and the performance of transcriptomic analyses (RNA sequencing) and associated data analysis.

The appointed person is also expected to contribute to scientific publication and active collaboration with other researchers.

Your Background

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in biotechnology, documented postdoctoral research experience in molecular plant biology and plant biotechnology, and experience in plant breeding.

Experience in developing molecular tools, including dsRNA constructs for RNA interference, transcriptomics, RNA sequencing, and omics data analysis is required.

The applicant must have excellent oral and written communication skills in scientific English and be able to demonstrate a strong publication record.

You should have good collaboration skills and be able to work independently.

Meritorious Qualifications

• Experience in research on cereals, weeds, and oilseeds (e.g., rapeseed). Experience with black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and molecular methods for weed control is particularly advantageous.
• Documented success in obtaining research funding.
• Experience in studying photoreceptor signaling under defined spectral light conditions, as well as designing and conducting experiments in controlled growing environments (including growth chambers and programmable LED systems), is highly advantageous.
• Experience in spectral characterization and transcriptional analysis of light signaling pathways is considered an asset.
• A documented interest in, and ability to integrate, own expertise into ongoing plant breeding projects.

About Us

The Department of Plant Breeding at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Alnarp conducts research, education, and innovation work of strategic importance for society's long-term supply of food, industrial raw materials, and energy, and to meet the increasing need for raw materials while making plant production increasingly environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. A broad spectrum of techniques is used in work with both horticultural and agricultural crops; from field experiments and characterization of agricultural biodiversity, to studies of various genetic, biochemical, biophysical, and physiological aspects, as well as modeling and the use of genetic engineering.

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

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 position for 4 months

Extent:

75-100%

Start Date:

2026-12-01

Application:

Apply via the button below by 2026-07-13.

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 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, 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 integrity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.