Postdoc scholarship in Food Safety: Light-mediated control of STEC

Department of Biosystems and Technology

Are you interested in food safety, microbial physiology and innovative, non-thermal technologies? We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop and evaluate blue-light treatment as an additional preventive step to reduce Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC/EHEC) on ready-to-eat leafy vegetables—while safeguarding product quality and shelf-life.

About the position

This postdoctoral scholarship offers an exciting opportunity to work in a project developing blue-light decontamination of human pathogns in fresh leafy greens and part of the Horticultural Microbiology team, with a focus on (i) inactivation of STEC/EHEC on leaves, (ii) potential regulation of virulence-related factors after sublethal exposure, and (iii) effects of treatment on leaf quality and shelf-life.

Your profile

• PhD in food microbiology, molecular biology or food safety, with documented research expertise in food microbiology/food safety and with experience working with bacterial pathogens relevant to fresh produce (preferably STEC/EHEC or closely related Enterobacteriaceae).
• Proven practical skills in microbial cultivation and challenge testing in food matrices and capacity to work in biosafety level classed facilities
• Experience with experimental design around dose–response and inactivation kinetics.
• Strong competence in molecular microbiology methods to study bacterial stress responses and virulence regulation (e.g., RNA/DNA extraction, ddPCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR, gene expression analysis), including demonstrated ability to assess and to interpret implications for food safety risk (e.g., virulence markers, stress adaptation)
• Solid skills in quantitative data analysis and statistics (e.g., mixed models/ANOVA, regression, dose–response modelling) with reproducible workflows (R, Python, or equivalent)
• Track record of scientific publishing (peer-reviewed papers) and communicating results at conferences; ability to write and orally communicate clearly in English.
• Strong project-execution abilities: independence, structured planning, documentation and safe, compliant lab work
• Demonstrated collaborative mindset and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams spanning food microbiology, processing technology, horticulture and quality science
• Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English are expected.

The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are therefore only considering applicants who completed their PhD no more than three years ago. Only non-Swedish applicants who have not previously worked in Sweden will be considered.

About us

At the Department of Biosystems and Technology we explore interactions between soil, plants, animals, environment, climate and humans in systems for sustainable production of food and renewable raw materials. Our teaching and research deal with questions about sustainable and efficient use of limited resources for production in greenhouses, on agricultural land and in farm buildings.

The research activities combine detailed studies in biology and technology of production systems with systems analyses and cross-disciplinary syntheses. The Department has a broad competence in agricultural and horticultural crop science, bio-energy, technology, animal welfare, resource use efficiency, environmental impact and food safety. We deliver research-based knowledge in teaching at basic and advanced levels and through collaboration with society, and contribute thereby to innovations, advisory services and decision making for solving complex problems.

For more information about the department visit: Department of Biosystems and Technology | slu.se

Location:

SLU, Department of Biosystems and Tecnology, Alnarp, Sweden.

Form of funding:

Scholarship for postdoctoral studies for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of a 12-months extension. The scholarship is intended to cover the personal living expenses of the postdoctoral researcher and does not constitute compensation for work performed. Therefore, the scholarship is not subject to taxation.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

May 1, 2026 or as agreed

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline March 3, 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.