Department of Plant Protection Biology

We seek a motivated postdoctoral researcher for a new project on designing precision pollination systems to better steer honeybees to target agricultural and horticultural crops. 

About the position

The main duties of the postdoctaral researcher will be to develop and conduct behavioural and pollination experiments employing laboratory bioassays, semi-field foraging arenas, and participatory field trials with commercial growers. These experiments will test whether applied techniques (based on dietary and volatile conditioning) can enhance honeybee efficiency – both as pollinators and vectors of biocontrol agents to crops. The potential ecological and economic advantages arising will also be measured.

The postdoctoral researcher will take a lead role in coordinating and communicating the project, which is a collaboration between SLU, Michigan State University, and national and international stakeholders (extension services, growers associations, etc.). Other duties include writing scientific manuscripts, and – at the interest of the postdoctoral researcher – to (co-)supervise MSc or BSc level projects, and contribute to teaching (e.g. on SLU’s PhD course on Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management – IPPM).

Your profile

As a person you are enthusiastic and responsible and have excellent collaborative skills. In addition, the candidate should meet the following requirements: 

• Hold a PhD degree in biology, ecology, agronomy, or equivalent.
• Practical experience relating to the scientific area of the position is meriting, including familiarity with the theory and techniques of pollination ecology, integrated pest management, chemical and nutritional ecology, and participatory research with growers.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Experience with independent planning, execution, and evaluation of experiments – potentially including budget management.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us

At the Department of Plant Protection Biology we conduct interdisciplinary research, encompassing Chemical Ecology, Resistance Biology and Integrated Plant Protection 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.

For more information about the department visit: Department of Plant Protection Biology | Externwebben (slu.se)

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

This position is based in the Integrated Plant Protection unit at the Department of Plant Protection Biology at SLU Alnarp, one of SLU’s main campuses.

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As soon as possible in 2024.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 30 August 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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.

Contact person

URL to this pagehttps://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=10880&rmlang=UK