PhD position (licentiate 2 years) in Horticulture

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.

Integrated production in new light
Description:
In Sweden, sustainable local production of fruit and vegetables all year round requires use greenhouses and optimized biotic and abiotic conditions. In this context, biological control agent may assist to keep the crop healthy. Our research has shown that light quality is crucial for plant health and for establishment of biological control agents. In order to translate these findings into greenhouse production systems, deeper understanding of mechanisms responsible for interactions between biological control agents and light quality are imperative.

The main objective of this research project on licentiate level is to identify interactions between plant crop and crop stand, biological control agents and plant pathogens. The project is conducted within the context of an ongoing project funded by SLF and Formas.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate has a MSc exam in horticultural sciences. Well documented knowledge in microbiology as well as in greenhouse crop production, incl. hydroponic systems, is demanded. Previous experience of microbiological laboratory work as well as DNA based methods relevant to the project, greenhouse experiments, sampling of biological material and analytical methods as well as basic knowledge of horticultural plant physiology are particularly valuable merits. Teaching experience as instructor is a merit. The successful candidate has theoretical knowledge and practical skills from the greenhouse industry.

Very good language skills in English and Swedish, both written and spoken, as well as good communication skills are mandatory and interest to communicate with growers and researchers.

We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated person, interested and eligible to perform academic research and within the international phyllosphere arena. The successful candidate is capable to collaborate in teams and to conduct tasks within a given time frame. Particular attention is given to the candidate’s personal properties.

Place of work:      
Dept of Biosystems and Technology, Microbial Horticulture unit; Alnarp, Sweden

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (2 years)

Starting date:
March 15, 2020

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2020-02-28, 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.