Postdoctoral researcher in cropping system ecology

Department of Ecology
The position is based at the Department of Ecology, which is part of the Ecology Centre at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. We conduct research for sustainable forest and agricultural production and efficient biological conservation. We study the influence of land use and climate on animals, plants, soil nutrient status, and greenhouse gas balances. Solutions are sought that will mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, benefit biological diversity and ecosystem services, and control pests in forests and agricultural landscapes as well as in urban areas. See also: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology

We are searching for a motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in developing and evaluating cropping systems that combine productivity, ecosystem service delivery and sustainability. The successful candidate will enter a strong international research environment addressing topical applied ecological and agronomic research questions.

Duties:
The postdoctoral researcher will explore cropping systems that combine productivity, ecosystem service delivery and sustainability. More specifically, the project examines how undersown flowering legumes in cereals affect pollinators, natural enemies, pests and pathogens above- and belowground, weeds, nutrient supply and crop yield. The postdoctoral researcher will have access to a complete dataset already collected in the project. We expect the postdoc to actively design follow-up experiments, coordinate empirical work and analyze data, and write and publish scientific papers in collaboration with the research team. The postdoc is also expected to assist in the supervision of students, engage in and lead research team activities, and communicate with stakeholders. The successful candidate will enter a strong research group with expertise in ecology, entomology, nematology, plant pathology and agronomy.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate pursuing an academic career in ecology or agronomy with an interest in cropping system multifunctionality. The required qualification for the position is a PhD in ecology, agronomy or other related or relevant discipline. Documented expertise in statistical analyses is required. Skills in cropping system ecology are meriting, as is experience of field experimentation. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. The candidate should have documented skills in scientific writing. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral, are required. Field work will take place in multiple locations; a driver’s license (Class B/car) is therefore required. 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.

Place of work:
Uppsala.

Form of employment:
Time limited position 24 months.

Extent:
100%.

Starting date:
1 september 2021 or according to agreement. 

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2021-06-09, use the button below .

Applications must be written in English and contain (i) a statement of academic interests and motivation for applying to this position (max 8000 characters including spaces), (ii) Curriculum Vitae including a complete publication list separated into peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed publications and (iii) contact information to two reference persons.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) develops the understanding and sustainable use and management of biological natural resources. The university ranks well internationally within its subject areas. SLU is a research-intensive university that also offers unique degree programmes in for example rural development and natural resource management, environmental economics, animal science and landscape architecture.

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 in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala.

www.slu.se

SLU is an equal opportunity employer.