Researcher in Ecology

Department of Ecology
At the Department of Ecology, research and education in ecology is conducted around the dynamics of populations, organism communities and ecosystems, often with a focus on the ecology of agricultural and forest landscapes. Basic and applied questions about ecological consequences of land use and biodiversity are often handled together in individual projects as larger collaborations.
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/

Duties:
We are looking for a researcher to join us in the EU-funded research project EcoStack aimed at developing innovative cropping systems with increased plant genetic diversity for sustainable plant protection against insect pests. Within this project, you will investigate interactions between plants in cropping systems with increased plant diversity, and how this affects pests, their natural enemies and microorganisms. The research will include both laboratory and field work. Field trials examining the effects of different cropping systems on insect population development will form an important part of the project. In laboratory experiments, you will investigate how plant-plant and plant-microbe interactions affect plant physiology and insect behaviour, and investigate the underlying mechanisms, focusing on how plants communicate with each other. You will work in a group of senior researchers, postdocs and PhD students, mostly in ecology but also cooperate with researchers in microbiology group.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a talented and motivated researcher who has a strong interest in ecology, and who is actively pursuing an academic career. Candidates must have completed and defended their PhD in chemical ecology, ecology or entomology or a related field by the last application date of this position.

The candidate should be able to quickly understand new research questions, identify the key issues and make situational judgements on how to proceed. The successful candidate will be part of a group of international researchers with different backgrounds and needs to be able to work in a group as well as independently. Selection of the successful applicant is mainly based on scientific skills and research experience in one or more of the following areas: plan-plant, plant-insect and plant-microbe interactions, pest population dynamics as well as knowledge in design and performance of filed experiments including statistical data analyses (meta analyses models). Evidence on experience on soil microbiome analyses will be a merit. Much emphasis in our recruitment will be placed on personal qualities and soft skills, e.g. high degree of self-motivation, the ability to work tidily, effectively, responsibly and congenially in a group context with shared facilities. The candidate must have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English and proven proficiency in writing and publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers. A valid driving license is an advantage and you should be prepared to travel to different field locations.

Place of work:
Uppsala, Sweden. 

Form of employment:
Fixed term employment of 3 months with possible prolongation. 

Extent:
100%.

Starting date:
March 2023.

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2023-02-28, use the button below. Interested applicants should submit the following:

1) Cover letter demonstrating the applicants motivation and interest in the topic (max 2 pages, in English)

2) C.V., including the date of disputation, the list of published work, and names and contact information for three references

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