PhD student in Perennial Cropping Systems

Publiceringsdatum: 2025-12-12

Vill du ta steget att arbeta som doktorand hos Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet? Nu har du möjligheten. Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet söker en medarbetare på heltid som vill arbeta 6 månader eller längre. Kan det vara du? Uppsala är platsen där detta jobb har sin tjänsteort.

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet söker efter fler duktiga individer som vill arbeta som doktorand. De har just nu två lediga jobb som doktorand som kan vara av intresse för dig. Bli en del av Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet genom att ansöka till jobbet som doktorand senast måndag den tjugosjätte januari 2026.

Jobbannons

Are you eager to contribute to the development of innovative perennial cropping systems that support a more sustainable and resilient agriculture? Do you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, international research environment?

If so, this PhD opportunity at the Department of Crop Production Ecology, SLU Uppsala, could be an exciting next step for you.

Department of Crop Production Ecology

The Department of Crop Production Ecology is part of the Ecology Centre and together with the Department of Ecology, it offers a stimulating research environment. We develop knowledge about resilient and sustainable crop production systems to meet the demands for quantity and quality in terms of food, animal feed and bio-based raw materials in a changing world. The research focuses on the challenges arising from increased demand, climate change, environmental impact and loss of biodiversity linked to agricultural and food systems. Teaching takes place at undergraduate and advanced levels, mainly in programmes leading to degrees in agronomy and biology.

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/

Perennial cropping systems

Research subject: Crop production science 

Project Description:

Perennialization of cropping systems offers major potential for reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint and improving long-term productivity. Many current annual cropping systems contribute to soil erosion, nutrient losses to waterways, greenhouse gas emissions, declining biodiversity, and vulnerability to climate extremes such as drought. In contrast, perennial crops and forages can reduce input needs, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance resilience to climate variability. At the same time, managing perennial systems brings unique challenges, particularly around weed management.

In Europe, perennial crops include forages, leys, and emerging perennial grains. Despite their promise, substantial knowledge gaps remain concerning their physiology, productivity, and management. To design robust, sustainable perennial cropping systems, research is needed on the agroecological mechanisms driving yield and resilience, as well as close collaboration with farmers who are already testing these systems.

As a PhD student within this project, your work will include field station and on-farm experiments, as well as data processing and writing. You will also take courses at the doctoral level, participate in international conferences, and have the opportunity to develop your networks across various academic disciplines and with stakeholders.

Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• A second-cycle (Master’s) degree in crop science, biology, agronomy, or a closely related field.
• Solid knowledge of crop production in temperate regions.
• A strong interest in agriculture and crop production.
• Good command of English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to communicate in, or willingness to learn, Swedish.

Meritorious

• Experience with field work.
• A driving license for valid use in Sweden.

We place particular emphasis on personal qualities, including your ability to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and contribute positively to a team environment.

Place of work:      

Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:

Employment 100 % as PhD student for 4 years.

Starting date:

As soon as possible according to agreement.

Application

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-01-26.

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 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 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.