Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Plant Protection Biology The Department of Plant Protection Biology is an interdisciplinary constellation, encompassing Integrated Plant Protection, Chemical Ecology, Resistance Biology research units, providing excellent opportunities for strong research collaboration within and outside the departmental area. Research efforts at the department are directed towards both fundamental and applied research. Applied plant protection research is carried out in collaboration with industry and focuses primarily on the development of environmentally sustainable pest and disease control strategies for agriculture and horticulture, both in Sweden and internationally. In the Integrated Plant Protection group, we aim to generate knowledge towards the development of sustainable pest and disease management solutions based on conceptual theory and empirical eco-evolutionary, molecular, and genetic data that can meet the needs of current and evolving plant production systems. 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/ How do oomycete plant pathogens shape plant microbiomes in agricultural systems? Research subject: Biology Description: Plants, like humans have developed adaptive immune systems to enable them to respond to disease threats. In parallel to what has recently been shown in human gut health, microbial diversity on both leaves and roots is an important factor in overall plant health. However, the connections between plant disease and plant-associated microbial communities are not well known. Prevalent plant pathology theories of plant disease and immunity based on laboratory data are not always consistent with ecological studies from agricultural fields. Here our aim is to gain new knowledge about the influence of the interplay between plant disease and other plant-associated microbes on plant health and performance in an agriculturally relevant setting. The project involves investigating interactions between potato and the foliar late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans, the seedling damping off pathogen Pythium ultimum and the related beneficial oomycete Pythium oligandrum and includes experiments in controlled and field conditions. The practical work also includes culturing oomycetes and plants, sampling for molecular and microbiome analysis as well as bioinformatic analysis of microbial communities. Qualifications: The candidate should hold an MSc degree in biology, ecology, microbiology, plant pathology, or a related subject. Extensive knowledge of microbial ecology and/or plant pathology and an interest in relating this knowledge to plant health and sustainable plant protection is required. Previous experience in sampling, sequencing and analysing plant microbiomes, including bioinformatics and statistics as well as in working with oomycete plant pathogens are merits. Candidates should be fluent in written and spoken English. As a person you are responsible, scientifically curious and possess excellent collaboration skills whilst also demonstrating the ability to take the initiative when needed. Place of work:       Alnarp Forms for funding or employment: Employment (4 years) Starting date: According to agreement, but perferably early 2026 Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-10-12. 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/ Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.