PhD in Plant Breeding

The Department of Plant Breeding conducts research, education, and innovation work of strategic importance for society's long-term supply of food, industrial raw materials, and energy to meet the increasing demands for these resources and, at the same time, make plant production increasingly environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Together, we expand knowledge that helps develop society sustainably. We collaborate with growers and industries to cultivate the crops of the future, actively shaping the contents of tomorrow's consumer plates. We are a workplace that has grown numerically in recent years with a significant number of international employees.

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/

Join our team at SLU's Department of Plant Breeding and be part of this unique project of developing a novel crop for the Nordic region. As a PhD student, you will contribute to critical research by developing genomics-based breeding tools and improved lines of this prototype crop to help shape the future of sustainable agriculture.

During the past three decades, field cress (Lepidium campestre) has been targeted for domestication at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), as a winter-hardy oilseed crop for the Nordic region. Since the project's initiation, advanced breeding lines with various desirable traits have been developed. A substantial amount of genomic data has been collected for developing genomics-based breeding tools that facilitate the accelerated advancement of field cress toward commercialization and as a resource for the society.

The person who holds this position will contribute to the research and development of the novel crop being domesticated, field cress (Lepidium campestre). The project’s main aim is developing genomic tools for breeding and fast-track improvement of field cress with various target traits, such as seed yield, oil content and flowering time. To accomplish this the PhD student will be engaged in a diverse set of activities that include analysis of genomic, phenotypic, and transcriptomic data as well as involvement in planning and executing field trials, greenhouse experiments, data collection, and crossbreeding.

We seek a highly motivated candidate with an MSc degree in Plant Breeding or related fields. The successful candidate should have adequate knowledge of plant domestication, conventional and genomics-driven plant breeding methods as well as genomics and molecular markers. A well-developed understanding of how to use various statistical software applications for data analysis is required. Experience working with plants under field and greenhouse conditions, preferably including crossbreeding, is needed. Research experience with Lepidium or other Brassicaceae species is favorable. The PhD student will be part of an interdisciplinary project that involves several industrial stakeholders, which makes the ability to work collaboratively essential. Thus, previous experience in research team work is an advantage. The working language is English and excellent written and spoken communication in English is a requirement. In addition, it is of great importance that the candidate has effective communication and collaboration skills. A high level of scientific curiosity will be considered along with personal suitability and favourable personal qualities.

Alnarp

Employment (4 years)

Sep 1st , 2024 or according to agreement

Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-04-26.

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: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

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 www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

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

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