Postdoc in Phytopathology (scholarship)

Plant-pathogen-bodyguard interactions across the European continent
Department of Plant Protection Biology
The hosting universities in Sweden and Italy
This is a collaborative project involving both SLU and the University of Udine (Italy). The position is based at the Department of Plant Protection Biology at SLU with a substantial research stay in Udine. The Department of Plant Protection Biology at SLU is an interdisciplinary constellation, encompassing Resistance Biology, Chemical Ecology, and Integrated Plant Protection. Research efforts at the department are directed towards both fundamental and applied research.

Subject area and duties:
Phytopathogens living in wild plant populations are typically bottom-up controlled by plant resistance and top-down controlled by the plants’ “bodyguards” (i.e., antagonistic fungi). However, the coevolutionary relationships between plants and their “bodyguards” are not well known.

The postdoctoral researcher will explore coevolutionary patterns in the strawberry system by harnessing wild plants (Fragaria vesca) and isolating their main fungal "bodyguard" (Aureobasidium pullulans) from different habitats and geographic areas across Europe. The plants will be screened for resistance against the most important phytopathogen and the isolated "bodyguard" strains will be screened for their antagonistic potential.

Environmental Association Analysis (or similar method) will be used to evaluate if plant resistance and ‘bodyguard’ traits are related to certain habitats or geographic areas in Europe.

The successful candidate will actively design the study, analyze data, and write and publish scientific papers in collaboration with the research team. The postdoc will be expected to spend much time in the field throughout Europe during 2023 to collect and isolate plant/fungal material.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD degree in Phytopathology or similar subject. Scientific qualifications within the area are necessary. A valid driver’s license is necessary. Good collaborative ability is necessary. Experience of fungal biocontrol, fungal isolation from the field, GIS, and Environmental Association Analysis (or similar method) are meriting. The ranking of candidates will be made based on proven scientific competence within the subject of the position.

For legal/tax reasons, the successful candidate must not be a Swedish citizen and must not have worked previously in Sweden. Thus, only non-Swedish candidates are invited to apply.

Place of work:
SLU Alnarp (Sweden) + a substantial research stay at the University of Udine (Italy)

Form of employment:
Tax-free stipend (24 months, SEK 25,000 per month)

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
As soon as possible

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-12-18, use the button below.

Applications must be written in English and contain: 1) Curriculum Vitae including complete publication list, 2) Summary of research experience indicating why the candidate is suitable for the position, and 3) Contact information for two reference persons.

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