PhD position in Agricultural Science, Crop Production

Department of Biosystems and Technology
At the Department of Biosystems and Technology we explore interactions between soil, plants, animals, environment, climate and humans in systems for sustainable production of food and renewable raw materials. Our teaching and research deal with questions about sustainable and efficient use of limited resources for production in greenhouses, on agricultural land and in farm buildings.

Assessment of Sustainability and Ecosystem Services in Crop Production Systems with Perennial Cereal Grain Crops
Description:
Sustainable and ecological intensification of cropping systems require rethinking of agricultural ecosystems. The reintroduction of perennial vegetation into the agricultural landscape is related to a higher delivery of ecosystem services. Breeding and development of cropping systems with perennial grain crops for food and feed production is highlighted as important components for sustainable development. These cropping systems may also be more resilient to climate change.

The work will be conducted in the Cropping Systems Ecology (CSE) subject area, which develops the knowledge on the interaction between crops, species in diversified crops, soil, weeds, cultivation methods and the environment. We use a systems perspective to consider environmental, economic and social sustainability of cropping and farming systems in Swedish and global conventional and organic farming. The main supervisor is affiliated in this group. The work will be done in close cooperation with other subject groups, inside and outside the Department, were the co-supervisors are affiliated.

Duties:
In this project, the PhD student will assess the sustainability and the delivery of a set of ecosystem services of crop production systems with and without perennial cereal grain crops. The project will be conducted through field sampling and laboratory work, but also through mathematical and decision-based modelling. The Department field facility, SAFE (www.slu.se/en/departments/biosystems-technology/research-facilites/lonnstorp/safe-sites-agroecological-field-experiment/), will be utilised in this project. Supervision, teaching and/or departmental duties may occur.

Qualifications:
The successful applicant is required to:


• possess a MSc degree or civil engineering exam in agronomy or related field
• have excellent English language and communication skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing)
• have scientific skills (hypothesis testing, experimental design, statics, scientific writing)
• have ability to work independently and to collaborate and engage in networking

Experience of perennial grain crops, intercropping and/or sustainability assessment are valuable merits.

Place of work:      
Alnarp, Sweden

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment 100% (4 years)

Starting date:
As soon as possible, according to agreement

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-03-20, use the button below.

A person has basic eligibility for third cycle education if he or she has taken a second cycle qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second cycle education. Upper secondary school grades equivalent to English B/English 6 are a basic requirement.

Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview.

Please observe that applicant/s chosen to participate in an interview shall hand in certified true copies of certificates, diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at an internationally recognized higher education institution (university or university college) and transcripts in connection to the interview. If the applicant is a foreign citizen we require a certified copy of the page in your passport with your personal data and photography.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.