PhD in Resilienta Valve Production Systems

Department of Plant Production Ecology

Doctoral studies subject:  Plant-cultivation doctrine

Description of the doctoral project

Cultivated crops, especially perennial cetaceans, are central to Swedish ruminant production and Swedish agricultural systems. Developing grassland systems that maintain high and stable production, while using resources efficiently and with wider environmental benefits, is becoming increasingly important with changing climate and production conditions. Increased plant diversity, through the use of different species of grass, legumes and herbs, provides opportunities to improve the productivity, persistence and resilience of the grasslands.

The doctoral student project will investigate how the composition and management of grassland crops affect their productivity, persistence, feed quality and resilience. Particular emphasis will be placed on species-rich and functionally diversified dikes and on understanding how different plant species and functional groups contribute to grassland production under varying environmental and management conditions.

The research will mainly be conducted on farms and at field trials sites in both northern and southern Sweden. The doctoral student will work with both established and new experiments where grassland species, mixtures and management are studied, as well as with grassland production systems under practical farm conditions. The project may include studies of different legumes and herbs and their contribution to productive and persistent grassland production systems.

The doctoral student will be part of the research group for grassland production at the Department of Plant Production Ecology in Umeå. The research is conducted in collaboration with other researchers at SLU, as well as with agricultural organisations, farmers and other external partners. The employment will include research on farms and collaboration with farmers, which provides the opportunity to work with grassland production both in controlled field trials and under practical conditions on commercial farms.

Tasks:

The doctoral programme covers both research and courses. As a doctoral student, you will gain broad research experience in ley and cropping science. Your main tasks will include:

• planning and conducting field trials;
• the collection of data on crop growth, botanical composition, yield, feed quality and related plant and environmental variables;
• processing and statistical analysis of experimental data;
• participation in the development and application of appropriate methods for evaluating grassland crops and mixtures of plants;
• cooperation with farmers and other actors in agriculture in connection with research on farms;
• the writing of scientific articles and the presentation of research results at scientific meetings and to operators in agriculture; and
• collaboration with researchers and external partners in Sweden and internationally.

Field work during the growing season will be an important part of the employment. The work will involve trips to farms and test sites in different parts of Sweden, including Röbäcksdalen in Umeå.

Competence:

Basic permissions if you have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7 § 39).

Specific jurisdiction to be admitted to the doctoral programme in the field of plant culture is required: knowledge corresponding to at least 120 credits in biological subjects. These must include an independent project and approved in-depth courses in crop culture or equivalent subjects.

In addition, you must have knowledge of English that corresponds to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Your background:

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a great interest in grassland crops, crop cultivation and sustainable agricultural systems.

You should have:

• a Master's degree in agronomy, crop-growing sciences, plant biology, agroecology, agricultural systems or a closely related field;
• knowledge of crop cultivation or plant ecology relevant to agricultural systems;
• experience in statistical analysis of experimental data;
• interest in field-based agricultural research;
• good ability to express yourself in speech and writing in English; and
• driving licences valid in Sweden.

The following qualifications are qualified:

• practical knowledge of Swedish;
• experience of field trials with crops or other agricultural plants;
• knowledge or experience of grassland crops, grasslands or seed mixtures;
• experience in statistical software;
• experience in remote sensing, image analysis, crop modeling or other quantitative methods relevant to crop research; and
• experience in scientific writing and communication.

We place great emphasis on personal qualities. You should be able to work both independently and together with others, take initiatives, organize field work and analytical work in a structured way, and contribute positively to a research environment that includes different disciplines and external partners.

About us:

Read more about the Department of Plant Production Ecology at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtproduktionsekologi/

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at  https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Read more about SLU's doctoral studies at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of supply and remuneration:

Postgraduate student  (4 years of education). The salary for the doctoral position follows local collective agreements with fixed salary steps.

Scope:

100%.

Location:

You will be part of a research team located in Umeå. However, since the service includes travel throughout Sweden, it is possible to have a place of placement at the department's second main campus in Uppsala, or elsewhere as agreed.

Access:

December 2026, or as agreed. 

Application and selection:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-10-23.

Read more about the appendices that your application should contain at  https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/hur-kan-jag-bli-doktorand/ansokan-och-bilagor/

Selection of qualified applicants is based on the appendices attached to the application, and shall be made taking into account the ability to complete the training within the time allowed.

Trade unions

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/