PhD student in crop science with focus on forage crops

Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden
The Department of Agricultural Research for Northern Sweden (NJV) in Umeå conducts research and education in crop and animal sciences, with specific focus on forage-based ruminant production. The common threads in the activities are efficiency and sustainability for the whole production chain, from seeding the forage crop and feeding of the animals, to the effects of forages on milk and meat products. Collaboration with other research environments and stakeholders are an important aspect for our research. The department is also responsible for managing two important SLU infrastructures near Umeå center: a modern research farm with 120 dairy cows and an advanced field station for research on crop production and ecology in a northern landscape.

The crop science group conducts research on cultivation of forages, which includes agronomic studies, development and use of crop models, and production management with remote sensing tools and spectral techniques.

Read more about our activities and infrastructures at www.slu.se/njv-en.

Applying remote sensing to management of forage crops
Description:
Forages are the most important crops in Northern Sweden, and represent more than two thirds of agricultural land use. Cultivation of forages affects the entire agricultural system, as the primary source of feed for ruminants. Better management of forages can result in financial benefits for farmers and improved environmental outcomes. Remote sensing, using handheld devices, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or satellites can be used to collect on-farm data and improve crop management. Such remote sensing tools also have applications for monitoring agronomic field experiments, and extracting better information from research. This Ph.D. project will apply remote sensing tools to both agricultural farm management and field experiments, in order to develop tools for better understanding and management of forage crops.

Qualifications:
Required qualifications include an agronomist or master's degree in crop science, or a related discipline. Good English skills (both written and oral) are required. The applicant must be capable of working independently and be interested in developing links between academia and industry. The applicant must have excellent collaborative skills.

The following criteria are meritorious:


• Practical knowledge of agriculture, particularly of forage production in a northern European context.
• Practical experience with sensing technologies.
• Skilled at managing large databases and analyzing spectral data.
• Hold a European driving license.
• Ability to understand and speak Swedish or another Scandinavian language.

Place of work:      
Umeå.

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment as PhD student, 4 years of education.

Starting date:
Expected start April 1, 2022, or as agreed.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is December 31, 2021.

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