PhD Funded Position in Agroecological Management for Crop Resilience to Multiple Stresses at SLU, Sweden

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is inviting applications for a PhD position in agroecological management for crop resilience to multiple stresses at the Department of Crop Production Ecology in Uppsala, Sweden. The doctoral project focuses on how agroecological management practices and crop genetic diversity can improve the resilience of wheat and pea under challenging growing conditions.

This fully funded, four-year PhD position is particularly relevant to graduates with backgrounds in agronomy, crop science, plant biology, ecology, plant breeding, agricultural systems science, or related disciplines. The successful candidate will investigate interactions between genotype, environment, and management and contribute to research on sustainable, low-input crop production.

PhD Position Overview

Key Detail	Information
University	Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Department	Department of Crop Production Ecology
Faculty	Faculty of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences
Research Subject	Biology with specialisation in ecology
Position	PhD Student
Research Area	Agroecology, crop resilience, crop production ecology
Crops	Wheat and pea
Employment	PhD employment, 4 years
Location	Uppsala, Sweden
Workload	Full-time, 100%
Start Date	December 2026 or as agreed
Application Deadline	15 September 2026
Reference Number	SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2269
Working Hours	Day
Employment Type	Time-limited employment
Salary	According to local collective agreement with fixed salary steps

About the PhD Research Project

Crop production is increasingly affected by several stresses occurring at the same time. These include drought, heat, nutrient limitations, weeds, pests, and diseases. Because these pressures can interact with one another, improving crop resilience requires approaches that consider the whole production environment rather than focusing on a single stress.

Crop genetic diversity can play an important role in strengthening resilience. However, the performance and expression of resilience in different crop genotypes depend strongly on environmental conditions and crop management. This creates an important research opportunity: understanding how crop varieties and agroecological management practices can work together to maintain stable crop performance under multiple stresses.

The doctoral project will investigate how agroecological management practices influence resilience to multiple stresses in wheat and pea. A particular focus will be placed on service crops and their potential to provide ecosystem services that support sustainable crop production.

Service crops can contribute to weed, pest, and disease regulation while also supporting nitrogen fixation, soil health, and soil fertility. Despite these benefits, there is still limited knowledge about how service crops interact with crop genetic diversity when plants face several simultaneous stresses. The project will address this knowledge gap by examining how management practices modify genotype responses across different growing conditions.

The overall aim is to identify promising variety–management combinations that can support stable crop performance under low-input conditions. The research will contribute to a better understanding of how agroecological practices can be used to strengthen crop resilience while supporting wider ecosystem functions.

Experimental Research and Fieldwork

The PhD student will conduct experiments under field conditions and compare different agroecological management practices. The research will involve detailed observations of crop performance throughout the growing season, providing an opportunity to study crop responses in realistic agricultural environments.

Measurements will include crop development, phenology, yield, and quality traits. The experiments will also monitor a broad range of abiotic and biotic stresses, including drought, heat, nutrient limitation, weeds, pests, and diseases.

In addition to crop performance measurements, the project will incorporate biodiversity assessments, microbiome analyses, and environmental observations. These complementary datasets will help explain how management practices affect the wider agricultural ecosystem and how environmental conditions influence crop performance.

The research therefore combines field experimentation with quantitative data analysis and ecological interpretation. It offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding resilience in agricultural systems.

Training and Research Experience

As a PhD student, you will develop broad research skills across the complete research process. Your work will include field experimentation, data processing, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and communication of research findings.

You will also work closely with researchers at SLU and collaborators within a European research consortium. This international research environment will provide opportunities to develop scientific expertise, establish an international research network, and collaborate across countries and disciplines.

The position is therefore well suited to candidates who want to build an academic career in agroecology, crop science, plant ecology, sustainable agriculture, crop resilience, or related areas.

Qualifications

Applicants should have a second-cycle (MSc) degree in agronomy, crop science, plant biology, ecology, plant breeding, agricultural systems science, or a related field.

Applicants should also have documented experience working with plants, crops, or agricultural systems. Good knowledge of plant ecology is required, together with an understanding of its relevance to sustainable crop production, agroecological management, or crop resilience.

Experience in statistical data analysis is also required, as the project involves the analysis and interpretation of complex experimental datasets. Applicants must have a good command of both written and spoken English.

Advantageous Qualifications

The following experience and skills will be considered an advantage:

• Experience with crop phenotyping, crop physiology, or genotype evaluation.
• Experience assessing weeds, pests, diseases, or environmental factors under field conditions.
• Experience in scientific writing and research communication.
• A driving licence that is valid for use in Sweden.

Personal Qualities

SLU places particular emphasis on personal qualities when selecting candidates. The successful applicant should be able to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.

You should be able to take initiative, manage complex research tasks in a structured manner, and maintain good organisation throughout the doctoral project. The ability to communicate and collaborate positively within an inclusive team environment spanning multiple disciplines and countries is also important.

Eligibility Requirements for Doctoral Studies at SLU

To qualify for third-cycle doctoral courses and study programmes at SLU, applicants must normally hold a second-cycle Master’s qualification.

Alternatively, applicants may qualify if they have completed at least four years of full-time university study, including a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants should review SLU’s official information about English-language requirements and doctoral education before submitting an application.

Documents Required for Application

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and supporting documents. The selection process considers the applicant’s qualifications and ability to successfully complete the doctoral programme within the allotted time.

The application should include:

• A written application.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Degree project or equivalent academic work.
• Copies of degree certificates.
• Transcripts of records from previous first- and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution.
• Details of two personal references.
• Evidence of knowledge of English.

Applicants who are invited to an interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent qualification, and transcripts of records from previous first- and second-cycle studies.

Applicants who are not Swedish citizens must also submit an attested copy of the information page of their passport containing their photograph and personal details.

About the Department of Crop Production Ecology

The Department of Crop Production Ecology is part of SLU’s Ecology Centre. Together with the Department of Ecology, it provides a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment in Uppsala, with an additional branch in Umeå. The department conducts research and education focused on plants used for food, animal feed, and energy. Its work places strong emphasis on agricultural crop production and the interaction between crops and their surrounding environment.

Research programmes examine how different production methods, cultivation environments, and agricultural systems influence crop yields, ecosystem services, product quality, and the surrounding environment. Teaching and research areas include crop production, plant ecology, ecophysiology, weed biology, and crop production systems considered within an ecological sustainability context.

About the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays an important role in developing a sustainable society through science and education. The university focuses on interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and on the responsible use of natural resources.

SLU has major campuses in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, while also operating research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden. The university has approximately 4,000 employees and 6,000 students and doctoral students, with an annual turnover of more than SEK 4.5 billion.

SLU is investing in attractive environments across its campuses and aims to provide an inclusive working environment characterised by gender equality. The university welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, recognising the contribution that diversity can make to scientific discussion, creativity, and development.

Employment Conditions

This is a four-year PhD employment based in Uppsala, Sweden. The position is full-time, equivalent to 100% employment, and the salary follows a local collective agreement with fixed salary steps. The expected start date is December 2026 or as agreed.

Contact Persons

For questions about the research project, applicants can contact:

Martin Weih
Professor
Email: martin.weih@slu.se

Jonathan Cope
Researcher
Email: jonathan.cope@slu.se

Academic union representatives and recruitment-related contact information are available through SLU’s employee association information. This doctoral position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of agroecology, crop science, plant ecology, and sustainable agriculture. The project addresses an important challenge for modern crop production: how to maintain stable yields and crop quality when agricultural systems face multiple interacting environmental and biological stresses.

The combination of field experiments, crop genetic diversity, service crops, biodiversity, microbiome research, and statistical analysis makes this a multidisciplinary PhD project. Candidates will have the opportunity to gain practical and analytical research experience while contributing to European collaborative research. For researchers interested in climate-resilient agriculture and low-input farming systems, the project provides a strong setting in which to investigate how crop varieties and management practices can be combined to improve resilience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare their CV, academic documents, degree project, references, and other required supporting materials before submitting the application through Apply for this position system.

The application deadline is 15 September 2026. reference number SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2269. Eligible applicants will be assessed based on the documents submitted with their applications. Selection will consider the applicant’s qualifications and their ability to complete the doctoral programme within the allotted period.

Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2269
Application deadline: 15 September 2026
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Position: PhD Student
Employment: Full-time, four years
Expected start: December 2026 or as agreed

Apply for this position

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the PhD position about?

The PhD project investigates how agroecological management practices and crop genetic diversity can improve resilience to multiple stresses in wheat and pea. The research focuses on interactions between genotype, environment, and management.

2. Where is the PhD position located?

The position is based at the Department of Crop Production Ecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, Sweden.

3. How long is the PhD employment?

The PhD position is a four-year, full-time employment.

4. What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is 15 September 2026.

5. When does the PhD start?

The expected start date is December 2026 or as agreed with the successful candidate.

6. What academic background is required?

Applicants should have a second-cycle Master’s degree in agronomy, crop science, plant biology, ecology, plant breeding, agricultural systems science, or a related subject.

7. Is experience with statistical analysis required?

Yes. Documented experience in statistical data analysis is listed among the required qualifications.

8. What research methods will be used?

The project will involve field experiments, crop development and phenology measurements, yield and quality assessment, monitoring of abiotic and biotic stresses, biodiversity assessments, microbiome analyses, environmental observations, data processing, and statistical analysis.

9. Is a driving licence required?

A driving licence valid for use in Sweden is listed as an advantageous qualification, rather than a mandatory requirement.

10. What is the reference number for the position?

The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2269.

11. What documents should applicants submit?

Applicants should provide a written application, CV, degree project, degree certificate and transcripts, two personal references, and evidence of English-language knowledge. Additional attested documents are required from candidates invited to interview.

12. Who can applicants contact about the research project?

Applicants can contact Professor Martin Weih at martin.weih@slu.se or Researcher Jonathan Cope at jonathan.cope@slu.se.