Department of Ecology

We seek a motivated postdoc interested in exploring effects of agroecological practices, e.g. diversified cropping, on crop yield and other ecosystem services, efficient resource use in a changing climate. The project has strong elements of synthetic research with collation and analysis of data from multiple agricultural long-term field experiments globally. The successful candidate enters a strong international research environment addressing topical basic and applied ecological research questions.

About the position

Agriculture has to provide enough food while avoiding degrading health and environment. A promising approach is enhancing cultivated and wild biodiversity in fields and landscapes, to reduce reliance on inputs of fertilizers and pesticides and increase resilience to climate change. Agroecological practices, e.g. growing more crop species and utilizing organic fertilisers, are suggested to enhance and stabilize crop yields via strenghtened ecosystem services such as pest regulation and nutrient cycling. However, which practices and combinations of crops are most efficient needs to be identified. It is unclear how such farming performs under climate and extremes.

The postdoc will gather and explore trends and variation in crop yields, soil properties, resource use and climate, using data from long-term agricultural field experiments which test effects of diversificatied agriculture. The research is part of a collaboration among lead agricultural researchers at SLU. The postdoc will actively coordinate data collation and analysis, and write and publish scientific papers in collaboration with the research team. The postdoc will enter a strong research group led by Professor Riccardo Bommarco (www.slu.se/bommarco-lab) in close collaboration with Professor Giulia Vico (www.slu.se/en/ew-cv/giulia-vico/), Dr Chloe MacLaren (https://www.slu.se/en/ew-cv/chloe-maclaren/) and other researchers at SLU, as well as a vast well-established international network of scientists. The postdoc is expected to contribute to team activities, assist in the supervision of students, engage in and lead lab activities, and communicate with stakeholders.

Your profile

We are looking for a motivated candidate pursuing an academic career in ecology, environmental sciences, agronomy, biology, engineering, earth science and related subjects, with an interest in agriculture, ecology, climate change and biodiversity. A PhD is required and it can be in ecology, environmental science, agricultural engineering, agronomy, biology or equivalent. Documented expertise in statistical analyses is required. Experiences in synthetic research, collating and analyzing large datasets, and collaborating with international research partners are meriting. The candidate is expected to be capable and willing to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team. Documented skills in scientific writing and excellent communication skills in English, both written and oral, are required.

About us

The position is based at the Department of Ecology, part of the Ecology Center of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. The postdoc will join a stimulating and dynamic, international research environment with an extensive national and international network focusing on sustainable agriculture. We conduct research for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. Our basic research on populations, communities and ecosystems forms the foundation for understanding influences of land use and climate on animals, plants and soil nutrient status and greenhouse gas balance. Solutions are sought that produce enough food sustainably, mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, support biological diversity and ecosystem services. Active dialogue, outreach and frequent contacts with stakeholders are key activities. We build on extensive national and international research collaborations to generate cutting-edge research and outreach to further ecology as science and promote sustainable agriculture.

More about the Department: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology/

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

Location:

Uppsala, Sweden.

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%.

Start date:

As agreed. 

Application:

Submit your application before 7 Mars 2025. Submit your application by clicking on the button below. Applications via email are not considered.

Selection is made based on the written application and interviews. The application, written in English, must contain:

1) statement of your scientific interests and motivation for applying, specifying your research interests, expertise and other activities of relevance for the advertised position. (max 5000 characters)

2) CV including complete publication list, separating peer-reviewed from other publications

3) contact information of two professional references

4) copies of university degrees and transcripts of academic records

While particular emphasis is placed on the written motivation, we consider also personal characteristics including collaborative skills.

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.