PhD student, Biology – Plant Pathology

Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology
A PhD position in Biology is vacant at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). The department undertakes fundamental and applied research focused on interactions involving plants, pathogenic, symbiotic and saprotrophic fungi and other microorganisms and their role in forest and agricultural 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/

Evolution and function of fungal biocontrol agents
Research subject Biology
Description:
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our ongoing research in biological control of plant diseases. Fungal biocontrol agents hold great promise for replacing chemical pesticides in future food production but is yet to reach its full potential due to a number of associated challenges such as high strain-to-strain variation in biocontrol efficacy. The focus of this research project is to explore questions about evolutionary dynamics that control biocontrol agent populations and their genomic consequences. Understanding the adaptive potential of naturally occurring biocontrol agents will help us to develop future plant protection strategies through augmentative and conservation biocontrol.

The successful candidate will join a scientific community of researchers, post-docs and PhD students at the Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-mycology-plantpathology) and the research school Organismbiology (https://www.slu.se/en/graduate-schools/organism-biology). The department offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is associated with the Uppsala BioCenter at SLU and the Linnean Center for Plant Biology in Uppsala.

Qualifications:
The applicant should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biology, horticulture or agronomy with emphasis on plant pathology, mycology, microbiology, molecular biology or corresponding topics. Documented abilities to manage a laboratory research project are required. Good knowledge of written and spoken English is required.

Documented laboratory work experience in mycology, plant pathology, bioinformatics and molecular biology methods is highly valued. The candidate should have good communication skills, a strong work ethic, be a team player and work well in a strong research environment.

A CV (max 3 pages, font type Arial or Times New Roman, min size 11) should include the following headings: education, work experience, research interests, awards, publications, presentations at conferences, teaching experience, field work experience, laboratory experience, software and computing skills, languages and contact details for two reference persons.

A motivation letter (max 2 pages, font type Arial or Times New Roman, min size 11) should motivate the candidate’s qualifications and interest in conducting this PhD project.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-03-17.

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: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, 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 www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

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



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

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.

www.slu.se