PhD Position in Ruminant Nutrition and Sustainable Dairy Production

Postdoctoral position in Plant Evolutionary Genomics and Pangenomics Department of Plant Biology About the position A postdoctoral position in plant evolutionary genomics is available in the Yant Lab at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. The Yant Lab develops computational and genomic approaches to understand evolution, adaptation, genome dynamics, and whole-genome duplication across diverse plant systems (see https://www.yantlab.net/).  The project is funded through a Formas grant aimed at restoring European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) populations threatened by ash dieback. The successful candidate will contribute to developing the first Swedish-focused European ash pangenome, integrating long-read genome assemblies with population-scale sequencing to understand disease resistance and local adaptation across Europe. The project combines large-scale population genomics, graph-based pangenomics, structural variant discovery, genome-wide association studies, and evolutionary genomics using state-of-the-art long-read sequencing and computational genomic approaches. The successful candidate will work closely with collaborators at other SLU campuses, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and other European partners, contributing to both methodological developments and biological discovery. The project offers an opportunity to work at the forefront of plant evolutionary genomics while contributing directly to forest restoration and conservation. Your profile We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in botany, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, plant biology, or a related subject deemed equivalent by the employer. The applicant should have a strong publication record relative to career stage and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research. The ideal candidate will have experience in all of the following areas: -large scale population genomics, demographic inference, and evolutionary genomics -graph-based pangenomics and structural variant analysis, ideally in plants -genotype-environment association (GEA/EAA) or GWAS -programming in Python, with extensive experience working in Linux and multiple HPC environments. -population genomics across environmental gradients, including demographic inference and genotype–environment association analyses  Experience with long-read sequencing, structural variant analysis, graph-based genome analysis, and plant genomics is considered an advantage but is not required. The successful candidate is expected to be a collaborative team member who will drive the project with creativity, independence, and scientific curiosity. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Since postdoctoral appointments are career-development positions, priority will be given to candidates who received their doctoral degree within the past three years.  About us The Department of Plant Biology (www.slu.se/en/vbsg) offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up the ‘Uppsala BioCenter’. The department undertakes fundamental research on model organisms, agricultural crops, forest trees and bioenergy crops. Our main areas of research comprise the interaction of plants with microorganisms and other environmental stresses, plant growth and development, biotechnology and metabolic engineering, regulation of gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis, and the development of breeding systems. Species in use are model organisms such as the entire Arabidopsis genus, Physcomitrella, Cochlearia, crops such as rapeseed, basket willow (Salix), potato, and cereals, and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi/oomycetes. The department is responsible for basic and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, cell biology, gene technology, plant physiology, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology, and molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. In addition, the department contributes to various courses together with other departments. Uppsala, Sweden ́s fourth-biggest city, has two universities and with more than 50 000 students a vibrant student atmosphere. It is located in the Greater Stockholm area and has an excellent connection to the Stockholm-Arlanda international airport. For more information about the department visit: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-biology-forest-genetics/  Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Location: Uppsala. Form of employment: Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension. Scope: 100%. Start date: 1 November 2026.  Application: Please submit your application before deadline 31 August 2026. 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 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.  Contact person: Levi Yant Professor levi.yant@slu.se   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.

Department of Crop Production Ecology Biology with a specialisation in ecology - The Department of Crop Production Ecology is seeking a PhD student in plant breeding and plant protection against insect pests. Description: Chemical insecticides have been an important tool for limiting crop losses caused by insect pests and insect-borne viruses, but their availability has declined sharply in recent years. Crop varieties with resistance, tolerance or other traits that enable them to avoid insect damage and viruses spread by insects will therefore be a cornerstone of future integrated pest management. The vision for the new project 'Node for Plant Breeding against Insect Pests and Viruses' within the centre SLU Grogrund is to reduce crop losses caused by pests and insect-borne viruses through crop breeding. The project focuses on insect pests and viruses in wheat, field beans, peas and sugar beet and is a collaboration between five departments at SLU and three plant breeding companies. We are seeking a highly motivated individual for a PhD position within the Node, focusing on the broad bean beetle (Bruchus rufimanus), a key pest of field bean. Infestations by the broad bean beetle pose an obstacle to developing field bean cultivation and a market for field beans for human consumption. The PhD programme comprises both research and coursework. The main tasks within the research component will be: Examine the insect's life cycle in the field and in storage Develop methods for screening of broad bean beetle infestations in a large panel of plant breeding material Contributing to the development of DNA markers for resistance or tolerance to broan bean beetle, for future application in plant breeding You will collaborate on the project with other PhD students and senior researchers in plant breeding, crop production, entomology, virology and genetics, as well as with the industry and other stakeholders, primarily Lantmännen and NordGen. Laboratory and field work is planned to be carried out at both SLU's campuses in Uppsala and Alnarp, as well as at NordGen in Alnarp. Field work at other locations in Sweden may also be included. Qualifications: Necessary qualifications: A second-cycle (MSc) degree in agronomy, horticulture, plant breeding, plant biology or a related field. Experience of statistical analysis of data. Experience of work with plants or insects in the field or green house. Strong interest in crop protection and crop breeding. Good command of written and spoken English. Meriting qualifications: Knowledge or experience in crops and agriculture A driving licence valid for use in Sweden We place particular emphasis on personal qualities, including ability to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, manage complex tasks in a structured way, and contribute positively to a team environment across disciplines and countries. To be qualified to apply: 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/ About us: The Department of Crop Production Ecology is part of the Ecology Centre and, together with the Department of Ecology, offers a dynamic and inspiring 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. 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/ Read more about the department of Crop Production Ecology at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/crop-production-ecology/ Forms for funding or employment Employment PhD (4 years). The salary follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps Scope 100% Place of work: Uppsala Starting date 1 October 2026 or as agreed Application Click the "Apply" button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-08-16. Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/