PhD student

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Biology with a specialisation in ecology - The Department of Crop Production Ecology is seeking a PhD student in plant breeding and plant protection against insect pests.

Description:

Chemical insecticides have been an important tool for limiting crop losses caused by insect pests and insect-borne viruses, but their availability has declined sharply in recent years. Crop varieties with resistance, tolerance or other traits that enable them to avoid insect damage and viruses spread by insects will therefore be a cornerstone of future integrated pest management. The vision for the new project 'Node for Plant Breeding against Insect Pests and Viruses' within the centre SLU Grogrund is to reduce crop losses caused by pests and insect-borne viruses through crop breeding. The project focuses on insect pests and viruses in wheat, field beans, peas and sugar beet and is a collaboration between five departments at SLU and three plant breeding companies.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual for a PhD position within the Node, focusing on the broad bean beetle (Bruchus rufimanus), a key pest of field bean. Infestations by the broad bean beetle pose an obstacle to developing field bean cultivation and a market for field beans for human consumption.

The PhD programme comprises both research and coursework. The main tasks within the research component will be:

• Examine the insect's life cycle in the field and in storage
• Develop methods for screening of broad bean beetle infestations in a large panel of plant breeding material
• Contributing to the development of DNA markers for resistance or tolerance to broan bean beetle, for future application in plant breeding

You will collaborate on 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 at both 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:

Necessary qualifications:

• A second-cycle (MSc) degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant breeding, plant biology or a related field.
• Experience of statistical analysis of data.
• Experience of work with plants or insects in the field or green house.
• Strong interest in crop protection and crop breeding.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Meriting qualifications:

• Knowledge or experience in crops and agriculture
• A driving licence valid for use in Sweden

We place particular emphasis on personal qualities, including ability to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, manage complex tasks in a structured way, and contribute positively to a team environment across disciplines and countries.

To be qualified to apply:

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master's) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport's information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

About us:

The Department of Crop Production Ecology is part of the Ecology Centre and, together with the Department of Ecology, offers a dynamic and inspiring research environment. We develop knowledge about resilient and sustainable crop production systems to meet the demands for quantity and quality in terms of 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/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Read more about the department of Crop Production Ecology at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/crop-production-ecology/

Forms for funding or employment

Employment PhD (4 years). The salary follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps

Scope

100%

Place of work:

Uppsala

Starting date

1 October 2026 or as agreed

Application

Click the "Apply" button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-08-16.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/