Job for Researchers: Senior Lecturer in Digitalisation of Agriculture

About the Role

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a tenured Senior Lecturer position (equivalent to Associate Professor in the US or Senior Lecturer in the UK) in Digitalisation of Agriculture, with a focus on mechatronics or robotics. This full-time position is based at the Department of Energy and Technology in Uppsala, Sweden.

About the Department

The Department of Energy and Technology conducts research and education on technologies and systems for the production, conversion, and utilisation of biomass and other biological resources. Activities include developing technical processes, energy and circular systems, and analysing environmental impacts from a systems perspective in close collaboration with society and industry.

The digitalisation and agricultural technology focus within the department centres on technical solutions for efficient and sustainable agriculture. Research spans machinery, work processes, and systems for animal and crop production, emphasising productivity and environmental performance. Core components include digitalisation, automation, and precision agriculture, integrated with agronomic conditions. The group combines strong experimental and methodological expertise with close ties to farming enterprises, industry, and advisory services. Teaching is primarily delivered within the MSc in Engineering programme in Bioresource Systems, including courses in Mechatronics (7.5 credits) and Automation and Decision Support (7.5 credits).

Subject Description

The subject encompasses digitalisation in agriculture, with a focus on the application of mechatronics or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead internationally prominent research in the subject area, with a focus on crop production.
• Strategically lead and participate in teaching at first, second, and third cycle levels, primarily within the MSc in Engineering programmes, and contribute to other educational components where the subject is included.
• Supervise doctoral students.
• Develop and maintain national and international networks with academia, public authorities, industry, organisations, and society.
• Apply for external research funding.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the department, faculty, and SLU.
• Communicate research findings and other relevant information to society.
• Perform administrative duties within the department, faculty, and university.
• Carry out tasks in English; the appointee is expected to communicate in Swedish within four years of taking up the position (support will be provided).

Requirements

Eligibility

• PhD or equivalent scientific competence.
• Research expertise in the subject area.
• Teaching expertise and the ability to integrate research and a scientific approach into teaching.
• Good knowledge of English.

Assessment Criteria

Primary consideration is given to the level of skill required for eligibility. Suitability will be assessed based on:

• Completed and ongoing research in the subject area.
• Ability to independently initiate and conduct outstanding research.
• Ability to obtain external research funding in competition.
• Planning, implementation, examination, and evaluation of own teaching.
• Supervision and examination of doctoral students.
• Ability to integrate research and scientific approach into teaching and pedagogical practice.
• Pedagogic vision and reflection.

Additional weight is given to expertise in developing and leading activities within academia, collaborating with stakeholders, and communicating research findings. Experience in research or development in the field of autonomous field robots is advantageous. Equal attention is paid to teaching and research expertise.

What We Offer

• A tenured position in a vibrant, internationally leading research environment.
• Opportunities for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration across social sciences, economics, engineering, and natural sciences.
• Swedish family health care provisions and generous paid parental leave.
• Well-established pre-school structure and tuition-free education through university.
• Location in Uppsala, a historic academic and cultural hub in the greater Stockholm region.

How to Apply

Application deadline: 2026-10-19

Place of work: Uppsala

Extent: 100%

For further information, contact:
Sarah Hedenskog, Faculty Administrative Officer — [email protected]
Björn Vinnerås, Head of Department — [email protected]

Original vacancy