Postdoctoral position: Pathogen resistance to biocontrol

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Are you curious about microbial interactions and sustainable plant protection? We are looking for a postdoc who is interested in fundamental research at the intersections between microbial genetics and evolutionary ecology.

About the position

Biocontrol is seen as a cornerstone of sustainable plant protection. However, there are many knowledge gaps in relation to the use of microbial biocontrol agents (BCAs) for the control of plant diseases. We are interested in whether plant pathogens can evolve resistance or tolerance to microbial BCAs and if so, what are the mechanisms behind this? Using the model plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Phytophthora infestans we will investigate their immune reactions and evolutionary responses to experimental selection by biocontrol agents including Aureobasidium pullulans and Pythium oligandrum.

You will be part of a collegial interdisciplinary team working on integrated plant protection both molecular mechanistic and eco-evolutionary perspectives. You will be responsible for designing, developing, conducting, and analysing experiments, which will include small scale field and greenhouse trials, as well as in depth molecular, biochemical and microbiological studies. Duties include writing scientific manuscripts, presenting project outcomes at conferences and workshops, applying for grants, and supervising bachelor or master’s students as and when the opportunity arises.

Your profile

Candidates should hold a PhD in a natural sciences discipline, such as biology, ecology, plant pathology, microbial ecology, evolutionary biology or a similar subject. Candidates are expected to have strong conceptual and theoretical knowledge in ecology and evolutionary biology as well as molecular plant-microbe interactions. Previous research experience working with fungal and/or oomycete plant pathogens, biocontrol agents, and functional characterization of microbial genes are merits. The candidate should also demonstrate an excellent understanding of and ability to independently perform both bioinformatic and statistical analyses.

Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English are expected. The candidate must be capable of independent planning, execution and evaluation of experiments or theoretical work. As a person you are enthusiastic and responsible and have excellent collaborative skills.  

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us

The Department of Plant Protection Biology is an interdisciplinary constellation, encompassing Integrated Plant Protection, Chemical Ecology, Resistance Biology research units, providing excellent opportunities for strong research collaboration within and outside the departmental area. Research efforts at the department are directed towards both fundamental and applied research. Applied plant protection research is carried out in collaboration with industry and focuses primarily on the development of environmentally sustainable pest and disease control strategies for agriculture and horticulture, both in Sweden and internationally. In the Integrated Plant Protection group, we aim to generate knowledge towards the development of sustainable pest and disease management solutions based on conceptual theory and empirical eco-evolutionary, molecular, and genetic data that can meet the needs of current and evolving plant production systems.

For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-protection-biology/

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:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

By agreement, but as soon as possible. 

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 31 December 2025. 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 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.