Vacant job

Department of Plant Ecology

Biology with a specialization in Ecology - The Department of Plant Ecology is seeking a PhD student in plant breeding and plant protection against pest insects

Job Responsibilities:

Chemical insecticides have long been an important tool for limiting yield losses caused by pest insects and insect-transmitted viruses, but availability has decreased significantly in recent years. Varieties with resistance, tolerance, or other traits that allow avoidance of insect damage and insect-spread viruses will therefore be a cornerstone of future integrated plant protection. The vision for the new project "Node for Plant Breeding against Pest Insects and Viruses" within the SLU Grogrund centre is to contribute through plant breeding to significantly limiting yield losses caused by pest insects and insect-transmitted viruses. The project works with pest insects and viruses in wheat, faba beans, peas, and sugar beets, and is a collaboration between five departments at SLU and three plant breeding companies.

We are now looking for a highly motivated person for a PhD position within the Node, focusing on the pest insect broad bean weevil in faba beans. Attacks by the broad bean weevil currently pose a hindrance to developing the cultivation and market for faba beans for human consumption.

As part of the doctoral education, both research studies and courses are included. The main tasks within the research studies will be:

• Mapping the insect's life cycle in the field and in storage.
• Developing methodology for screening broad bean weevil attacks in a large panel of plant breeding material.
• Contributing to the development of DNA markers for tolerance and resistance to the broad bean weevil for future application in plant breeding.

You will collaborate within the project with other PhD students and senior researchers in plant breeding, crop production, entomology, virology, and genetics, as well as with industry and other stakeholders, primarily Lantmännen and NordGen. Laboratory and field work is planned to be carried out both at SLU's campuses in Uppsala and Alnarp, as well as at NordGen in Alnarp. Field work at other locations in Sweden may also be included.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A master's degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant biology, plant protection, or another related field.
• Experience in statistical data analysis.
• Experience working with plants or insects in the field or greenhouse.
• A strong interest in plant protection and plant breeding.
• Very good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English.

Merits:

• Experience with or knowledge of crops and agriculture.
• A driver's license valid in Sweden.

We place great emphasis on personal qualities such as the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, handle complex tasks in a structured manner, and contribute positively to a work environment characterized by collaboration across disciplines and countries.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for doctoral studies, a completed master's degree or at least four years of full-time studies, including at least one year at the advanced level, is required.

The selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including a curriculum vitae; thesis, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous basic and advanced level studies at a university or college, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about requirements for English language skills can be found on the following page: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/)

Note that the applicant(s) called for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous basic and advanced level studies at a university or college. Applicants with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport containing the photo and personal information.

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/)

About Us:

The Department of Plant Ecology is part of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation Biology and, together with the Department of Ecology, offers a dynamic and inspiring research environment. We develop knowledge about resilient and sustainable plant production systems to meet the quantity and quality demands for food, animal feed, and bio-based raw materials in a changing world. The research focuses on the challenges arising from increased demand, climate change, environmental impact, and loss of biodiversity linked to agricultural and food systems.

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/)

Read more about the Department of Plant Ecology at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtproduktionsekologi/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtproduktionsekologi/)

Employment Type and Salary:

Employment as a PhD student, 4 years of education. The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start Date:

October 1, 2026, or as agreed.

Application and Selection:

Apply via the button below by 2026-08-16.

Read more about the attachments your application must include at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/)

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments included in the application and must take into account the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

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 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 activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational centers 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 work 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.