PhD student in Agricultural Sciences with specialization in plant breeding

Department of Plant Breeding
The Department of Plant Breeding works with research, education, and innovation of strategic importance for society's long-term supply of food, industrial raw materials, and energy to meet an increasing need for raw materials and at the same time make plant production increasingly environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. We are a workplace that is growing in size and has a large international breadth among our employees. Together, we are involved in developing the crops of the future together with growers and industry, and thereby contribute to what is in consumer demand.

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/

Genetics behind protein extractability of biomass from intermediate crops
Intermediate crops are crops grown in between two major crops. The present project will evaluate the opportunities to use intermediate crops from Sweden and India as possible sources of protein from the green biomass for food and feed purposes. Genetic variation in protein extractability and opportunities to breed intermediate crops of specific value for protein fractionation will be evaluated. For this we will use the core collection of chick pea from ICARDA in India and currently available and used intermediate crops from Sweden. Further, the economic benefits of such a use for Swedish and Indian farmers will be evaluated as well as possible products from these uses will be evaluated.

The Department of Plant Breeding is looking for a Licentiate student to participate in the activities which aim to evaluate the genetic variation and background of protein extractability from green biomass. The position will be funded by a newly funded Formas project aimed at collaboration in the circular bioeconomy between Sweden and India. Thus, Indian partners are involved in the project, which is also the Plant Protein Factory in Alnarp. Furthermore, collaboration with researchers, post-docs and other PhD-students at the Department of Plant Breeding in the area of Genotyping and Bioinformatics is expected.

Qualifications:
We seek a highly motivated candidate with an MSc in agriculture, biology, biochemistry, or other types of education, preferably specializing in plant breeding, genetics and/or circular bioeconomy. Documented skills in reporting scientific results, quantitative genetics, biochemistry, protein fractionation, working with plants in the greenhouse or field, bioinformatics, and programming in R statistic is beneficial. The candidate should have the ability to work both independently and in a team. Proven ability to excellently write and speak English is essential.

Place of work:      
Alnarp

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (2 years) 

Starting date:
According to agreement. 

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2023-07-21.

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, 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 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) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.