PhD student in Agroecological Crop Management

Department of Crop Production Ecology

Research subject: Biology with specialisation in ecology

Description of the doctoral project

Crop production is increasingly challenged by multiple, interacting stresses, including drought, heat, nutrient limitations, weeds, pests, and diseases. Crop genetic diversity can strengthen resilience under these conditions, but the expression of resilience depends strongly on the environment and on how crops are managed. Service crops, used as an agroecological management practice, can provide valuable ecosystem services, such as the regulation of weeds, pests, and diseases, as well as nitrogen fixation and the maintenance of soil health and fertility. However, there is still limited understanding of how crop genetic diversity and service crops interact to alleviate multiple stresses - an important knowledge gap that this project will address.

The project will investigate how agroecological management practices influence resilience to multiple stresses in wheat and pea. You will examine how management practices modify genotype responses across growing conditions, with a particular focus on interactions between genotype, environment, and management. The aim is to understand how management practices shape resilience to multiple stresses in different crop genotypes and to identify promising variety–management combinations that support stable performance under low-input conditions.

Experiments will be conducted under field conditions, comparing different agroecological management practices. Measurements will include crop development, phenology, yield, and quality traits, alongside monitoring of a broad range of abiotic and biotic stresses, including drought, heat, nutrient limitation, weeds, pests, and diseases. Biodiversity assessments, microbiome analyses, and environmental observations will provide additional context for evaluating the wider effects of management practices and for interpreting crop performance under field conditions.

As the PhD student in this project, you will gain broad research experience through field experimentation, data processing, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and the communication of research findings. You will work closely with researchers at SLU and with partners in a European research consortium. This collaboration will provide excellent opportunities to develop your scientific expertise, build an international research network, and contribute to research across countries and disciplines

Qualifications

• A second-cycle (MSc) degree in agronomy, crop science, plant biology, ecology, plant breeding, agricultural systems science or a related field
• Documented experience of working with plants, crops, or agricultural systems
• Good knowledge of plant ecology and an understanding of its relevance to sustainable crop production, agroecological management, or crop resilience
• Documented experience in statistical data analysis
• Good command of written and spoken English

The following qualifications would be an advantage:

• Documented experience with crop phenotyping, crop physiology, or genotype evaluation
• Documented experience with field assessment of weeds, pests, diseases, or environmental factors
• Documented experience in scientific writing and communication
• A driving licence valid for use in Sweden  

We place patricular emphasis on personal qualities. You should be abel to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, manage complex tasks in a structured way and contribute positivley to an inclusive team environment spanning disciplines and countries.

To be qualified to apply

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: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, 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 https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/

About us

Read more about the department of Crop Production Ecology at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/crop-production-ecology/ 

Form of employment or Funding

Employment PhD (4 yeras). The salary follow a local collectiv agreement with fixed salary steps.

Location:

Uppsala

Scope:

Full-time employment (100%)

Start date:

December 2026 or as agreed.

Application and selection:

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 15 September 2026. Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/