Researcher in Plant Breeding and Virus Resistance in Protein Crops

Department of Plant Breeding

Are you a dedicated researcher with experience in plant biology, molecular genetics, and virology? Would you like to be part of a dynamic research team at the Department of Plant Breeding at SLU and contribute to the future of sustainable agriculture with protein crops? We are looking for a researcher who can participate in, and lead projects focused on virus resistance and the development of innovative tools for breeding primarily pea, although other crops may also be included.

About the position

You will work on a research project aimed at improving virus resistance in pea. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Development of genomics tools to understand virus resistance and other important traits in pea and other crops.
• Analysis of genomic data to identify relevant genes and QTLs.
• Experimental work in the laboratory, greenhouse, and field, including the development of protocols for phenotyping virus resistance for genetic studies.
• Supervision of students and collaboration with other researchers within the project.
• Planning and conducting field and greenhouse experiments, as well as data collection related to phenotypic traits.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with the following qualifications:

• A PhD in virology, plant biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Documented experience of working with marker and sequence data in plants and viruses.
• Experience with field and greenhouse experiments and handling viruses.
• Good communication skills in English are required, as well as knowledge of or ongoing studies in a Scandinavian language.
• Proven ability to publish scientific articles in international journals.
• Experience in student supervision or doctoral supervision and collaboration with industry in research projects is considered an advantage.

About us

The Department of Plant Breeding at SLU focuses on research, education, and innovation of strategic importance for sustainable and profitable crop production for plant-based food, feed, and industrial products in a changing climate. The department has five subject areas focused on genetics and plant breeding, diversity, plant biotechnology, product quality, and plants and the environment.

The department employs a wide range of methods, from field experiments to genetics, genomics, phenomics, gene editing, biochemistry, physiology, and modeling.

More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/vf_en/

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

Location:

Alnarp

Form of employment:

Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment.

Scope:

50%

Start date:

As agreed.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 3 June 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.