Job for Researchers: PhD Student in Plant Breeding and Insect Pests — Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

About the Role

The Department of Crop Production Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invites applications for a PhD student position in plant breeding and plant protection against insect pests. The successful candidate will join the ‘Node for Plant Breeding against Insect Pests and Viruses’ within the SLU Grogrund centre. This project aims to reduce crop losses caused by insect pests and insect-borne viruses through crop breeding, focusing on wheat, field beans, peas, and sugar beet. The position specifically targets the broad bean beetle (Bruchus rufimanus), a key pest of field bean, and involves collaboration among five SLU departments and three plant breeding companies.

Responsibilities

• Examine the insect’s life cycle in the field and in storage.
• Develop methods for screening broad bean beetle infestations in a large panel of plant breeding material.
• Contribute to the development of DNA markers for resistance or tolerance to broad bean beetle for future application in plant breeding.
• Collaborate with PhD students and senior researchers in plant breeding, crop production, entomology, virology, and genetics, as well as with industry partners (Lantmännen, NordGen) and other stakeholders.
• Conduct laboratory and field work at SLU campuses in Uppsala and Alnarp, at NordGen in Alnarp, and potentially at other locations in Sweden.

Qualifications

Required

• A second-cycle (MSc) degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant breeding, plant biology, or a related field.
• Experience with statistical analysis of data.
• Experience working with plants or insects in the field or greenhouse.
• Strong interest in crop protection and crop breeding.
• Good command of written and spoken English.

Meriting

• Knowledge or experience in crops and agriculture.
• A driving licence valid for use in Sweden.

Personal Qualities

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Initiative and capacity to manage complex tasks in a structured way.
• Positive contribution to a team environment across disciplines and countries.

Eligibility for third-cycle studies requires a second-cycle qualification or at least four years of full‑time study (including one year at second‑cycle level). Selection will be based on the written application, CV, degree project, degree certificates, transcripts, two references, and English proficiency.

What We Offer

• Full-time employment (100%) for four years as a PhD student, with salary following a local collective agreement (fixed salary steps).
• Place of work: Uppsala, with field activities in Alnarp and elsewhere in Sweden.
• Start date: 1 October 2026 or as agreed.
• A dynamic research environment at the Ecology Centre, focusing on resilient and sustainable crop production systems.

How to Apply

Submit your application via the SLU recruitment portal. The application must include a CV, degree project, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, two personal references, and evidence of English proficiency. Applicants invited to interview must provide attested copies of degree certificates and transcripts; non‑Swedish citizens must also submit an attested copy of their passport information page. The deadline is 16 August 2026. Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2083. For questions, contact Åsa Grimberg ([email protected]) or Ola Lundin ([email protected]).

Original vacancy