Hourly paid employment - Research assistant

Department of Plant Protection Biology

About the position

We are looking for a motivated and passionate summer research assistant to support ongoing experiments on growth promotion and metabolomics in potato plants, both under controlled greenhouse conditions and in the field.

Tasks include:

• Assisting in the greenhouse with potato plant growth and growth promotion assays.
• Supporting field trials involving pathogen and/or biocontrol inoculation.
• Sampling leaves and roots for metabolomics analysis.
• Performing routine lab work, data collection, and maintenance of plant material.

Join us in a project that bridges plant science, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture!

Your profile

Requirements:

• A strong interest and/or background in agronomy, agroecology, horticulture, microbiology, and/or mycology.
• Willingness to work flexibly, especially for fieldwork, as sampling dates may change based on plant growth, weather, and experimental needs.
• Responsibility, precision, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

About us

At the unit of Integrated Plant Protection, we conduct research and education on sustainable and effective solutions for pest and disease management in agriculture. Grounded in the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)—a strategy mandated across the EU since 2014—the department combines eco-evolutionary theory, molecular biology, and genetic analysis to address real-world challenges in plant production.

Our research spans two main areas: Integrated Disease Management and Ecology & Evolutionary IPM, tackling issues such as potato late blight, soil-borne pathogens, crop immunity, and biological control. By exploring the interactions between plants, pathogens, beneficial organisms, and environmental factors, we aim to reduce reliance on chemical inputs and promote resilient, productive cropping systems.

For more information about the department visit: Department of Plant Protection Biology | slu.se

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Location

SLU, Alnarp

Form of employment

Hourly paid employment; special fixed-term employment

This means that you will be offered work for shorter periods during the period specified below under the heading "scope". You can accept or decline each opportunity you are offered work. When you accept one or more job opportunities, a new employment contract is concluded for these opportunities.

Scope

The position covers approximately 150 hours during the period May 15 to August 1, 2026.

Start date

May 15, 2026

Application

Please submit your application via the application button below no later than 2026-05-08.

Union representatives

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/