Post doctoral researcher in Forest Pathology

The Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology is part of the Biocentrum at campus Ultuna. The department's researchers have a broad competence in plant and tree pathology and in microbial ecology. Key issues concern the population biology and social structure of microorganisms, their functions, especially in nutrient turnover and for tree health, as well as the interaction between microorganisms and other groups of organisms. Important research areas are regulation, ecology, population biology and microorganisms as well as modeling and control of tree and plant diseases in the field.

Duties:
We expect the candidate to conduct research aiming to create a baseline of understanding of multispecies interactions with ash (Fraxinus excelsior) to allow forcasting of the European ash populations response to the likely imminent invasion of the Emerald ash borer (EAB). THe work may involve, but is not restricted to: surveys of trees infected by, ash dieback disease, ADB in Sweden to analyse together with existing field survey data of trees infected by ADB or/and EAB in Ukraine; Analyses of the fungal pathogens and pests associated with ADB infested ash trees in Sweden  and the fungal diversity associated with EAB beetles/galleries collected from Ukraine; Development of a genotyping panel to genotype EAB and ADB attacked F. excelsior and F. pennsylvanica trees in Ukraine and  Sweden, Poland and Baltic countries to idenify, markers associated with resistance to  both ADB and EAB.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate should hold a PhD Forest Pathology or similar subject. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. The successful candidate must have documeted experience  from work with both ADB and EAB in ash. Experience with molecular biology, metabarcoding or mycological cultivation techniques are also required. The candidate should be fluent in spoken and written English and have good communication skills. Additional skills in Swedish Russian or Ukrainain  is a merit as the known invasions of Emerald Ash Borer is concentrated to the St. Petersburg region and Ukraine. Drivers licence, Swedish or international is a merit. 

The candidate's background in forest pathology and forest entomology and the candidates personal characteristics will be central to the assessment and selection of the successful candidate. We are looking for a person with a strong sense of responsibility, strong commitment, initiative and self-motivation.

Place of work:
Uppsala, Sweden

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24  months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
by agreement

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-06-13, use the button below

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.

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