PhD Candidate in Biology

Department of Plant Production Ecology The Department of Plant Production Ecology, together with the Department of Ecology, creates an inspiring research environment at the Ecology Center in Uppsala. We educate and conduct research on plants for food, feed, and energy. The research and teaching have a production-oriented character with a focus on agricultural crops and their interaction with the surrounding environment and systems. Our research examines how different production methods, growing environments, and systems affect yield and other ecosystem services, as well as product quality and the surrounding environment. We teach about plant production, plant ecology and eco-physiology, weed biology, and cropping systems within an ecological sustainability perspective. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Legumes for Intercropping with Cereal Research Subject: Biology Are you looking for a PhD project where, in collaboration with researchers from other universities, you will contribute to the development of new legume-based cropping systems for more sustainable agriculture? Do you thrive in an interdisciplinary and international research environment? Then this PhD position at the Department of Plant Production Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala may be of interest to you. Content Description: Intercropping of cereals and legumes holds significant potential for developing sustainable agricultural systems driven by biologically fixed nitrogen to provide high-quality plant-based nutritional protein; however, innovations in the components of these cropping systems and their interactions are needed to achieve their full potential. The project is part of the N2CROP center for legume innovation and will focus on the intercropping of field peas and cereals. Both above- and below-ground processes and the interactions between the intercropped crops will be investigated with a focus on nitrogen dynamics, including biological nitrogen fixation, nitrogen transfer between species, and the effects of specific rhizobium strains on nitrogen fixation. The project is based on field experiments and greenhouse trials. Results from the experiments will be used in a modeling analysis, and yield products will be analyzed in other parts of the overall project. As a PhD student in this project, you will have the opportunity to develop your networks within academia and across different disciplines. Your studies will take place in the field and greenhouse, as well as through data processing and writing. Qualifications: Requirements: • Degree in Crop Science, Biology, or Agronomy (please see eligibility requirements below) • Good knowledge of plant ecology • Strong interest in plant production in agriculture • Excellent ability to express oneself verbally and in writing in English, and the ability to understand and speak, or the willingness to learn, Swedish (Scandinavian) Meritorious: • Experience in fieldwork • Swedish driver's license or equivalent Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities such as collaboration skills and the ability to work independently. Location: Uppsala Employment Type: 100% employment as a PhD candidate for 4 years Start Date: As soon as possible according to agreement. Application We welcome your application via the application button no later than December 4, 2025. To be eligible for doctoral education, a degree at an advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, including at least one year at the advanced level, is required. Selection among the qualified applicants will be based on: written application including CV; thesis, copies of diplomas and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, two personal references, and English language skills. More information on the requirements for English language proficiency can be found on the following page: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ Please note that applicants who are called for an interview must submit certified copies of diplomas or equivalents, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at a university or college, and that applicants who have foreign citizenship must also provide a certified copy of the page in their passport containing a photo and personal information. Learn more about SLU’s doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/ Trade Union Contacts: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, trial parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover