Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The PhD position is based at the Dept of Ecology, part of the Ecology Centre of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala. The student will join a stimulating and dynamic research environment and have access to an extensive national and international network with colleagues who focus on multiple aspects of sustainable agriculture. At the Ecology Centrum, we generate knowledge on how land use and climate affects plants, nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas balance, and animals, and develop sustainable solutions for the future.

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.

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/

Homepage: https://www.slu.se/en/

Are you looking for an exciting PhD position on plant-environment and plant-plant interactions, using mechanistic models? Do you want to identify management practices that minimize negative environmental impacts and are robust to climate change? Are you highly motivated to undertake a PhD training and actively pursue an academic career?

Crop production needs to be transformed. Agriculture can be made more sustainable and resilient by relying more on ecosystem services provided by biodiversity and less on external inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. These ecosystem services depend on crop traits and climate and soil conditions. This doctoral project will employ mathematical models based on ecological and physiological mechanisms to look at advantages and disadvantages of different management practices for primary production, climate change adaptation, and reduced environmental impacts.

As PhD student in Biology with specialization in Ecology, the student will carry out supervised research leading to a PhD thesis and take a minimum 30 higher education credits in courses.
Qualifications:

The required qualification is at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 credits at 2nd cycle education. The credits can be in engineering, earth and environmental sciences, physics, applied mathematics, natural sciences, or related fields. Written and oral proficiency in English is required. Interest and previous experience in developing mechanistic models coupling plants, biogeochemical cycles, ecosystems, and environmental conditions, as well as documented strong quantitative and programming skills (in C, MatLab, R, Python, or other languages for data analysis and model implementation) are merits.

The application, written in English, must contain, in a separate file, a statement of your scientific interests and motivation for applying to this specific position, clarifying your interests in this project and experience with mechanistic models and quantitative approaches (max 5000 characters). The selection among the eligible applicants is based on their capacity to benefit from the training, as well as their creativity, initiative, and independence. The selection is made with reference to the written application and an interview. Particular emphasis is placed on your written motivation.

Apply through the call for application webpage:
https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=11135&rmlang=UK
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-10-30. Applications via email cannot be considered.

The application, written in English, must contain

- a statement of your scientific interests and motivation for applying to this position, specifying your interests and experience with mechanistic models (max 5000 characters)

- Curriculum Vitae including any publication

- copies of previous university degrees and transcripts of completed courses

- copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree

- contact information to at least 2 reference persons

- certification of English language knowledge equivalent to at least English B/English 6 (see https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements)