PhD Student

Department of Plant Production Ecology

Biology specializing in ecology - The Department of Plant Production Ecology is seeking a PhD student in plant breeding and plant protection against insect pests

Tasks:

Chemical insecticides have long been an important tool for limiting crop losses to insect pests and insect-transmitted viruses, but availability has decreased sharply in recent years. Varieties with resistance, tolerance, or other properties that allow for the avoidance of insect damage and viruses spread by insects will therefore be a cornerstone in future integrated plant protection. The vision for the new Nod project for plant breeding against insect pests and viruses within the SLU Grogrund center is to contribute through plant breeding to significantly limit crop losses caused by insect pests and insect-transmitted viruses. The project works with insect pests and viruses in wheat, field beans, peas, and sugar beets and is a collaboration between five institutions at SLU and three plant breeding companies.

We are now seeking a highly motivated person for a PhD position which, within the Nod, will work with a focus on the insect pest bean weevil in field beans. Attacks by bean weevils currently constitute a barrier to developing the cultivation and market for field beans for human consumption.

Within the framework 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 attacks of bean weevils in a large panel of plant breeding material Contributing to the development of DNA markers for tolerance and resistance to bean weevils 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 the 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 in other locations in Sweden may also be included.

Qualifications:

We are seeking a candidate who has:

An advanced level degree (master's degree) in agronomy, horticulture, plant biology, plant protection, or another related subject area. Experience in statistical analysis of data. 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.

Meritorious:

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

We attach great importance to personal qualities such as the ability to work both independently and together with others, 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 education, an advanced level degree must have been completed, or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year is at an advanced level.

Selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including a CV; thesis, copies of degree certificates, and transcripts from previous studies at bachelor's and master's levels at a university or college, two personal references, and proficiency in English. More information about requirements for English proficiency can be found on the following page: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/

Please note that the applicant(s) called for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at bachelor's and master's levels at a university or college, and that applicants with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport containing their photo and personal information.

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

About us:

The Department of Plant Production Ecology is part of Ekologicentrum 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 demands for quantity and quality regarding 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/

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

Terms of employment and salary:

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

Extent:

100%

Location:

Uppsala

Start date:

October 1, 2026, or as agreed.

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below no later than 2026-08-16.

Read more about the attachments your application should include at 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 shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union contact persons

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

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental 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 equitable 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.