Fully Funded PhD: Agroecological Management for Crop Resilience – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden
Quick Overview
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is seeking a PhD student to investigate how agroecological management practices influence resilience to multiple stresses in wheat and pea. This project will examine how management practices modify genotype responses across growing conditions, focusing on interactions between genotype, environment, and management. The research will be conducted under field conditions, comparing different agroecological management practices.
Experience Level: MSc degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, Ecology, or related field
Best Fit: Candidates with interest in agroecological management and crop resilience
Deadline: September 15, 2026
Key Details
| Position | PhD Student |
| Project | Agroecological management for crop resilience to multiple stresses |
| Institution | Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) |
| Location | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Qualification | MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, Ecology, Agricultural Systems Science, or related field |
| Experience | Documented experience with plants, crops, or agricultural systems |
| Duration | 4 years (full-time) |
| Start Date | December 2026 |
| Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Reference Number | SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2269 |
| Apply Via | SLU application portal |
| Contact | Martin Weih – martin.weih@slu.se / Jonathan Cope – jonathan.cope@slu.se |
Project Description
Crop production is increasingly challenged by multiple, interacting stresses, including drought, heat, nutrient limitations, weeds, pests, and diseases. Crop genetic diversity can strengthen resilience under these conditions, but the expression of resilience depends strongly on the environment and on how crops are managed.
The project will investigate how agroecological management practices influence resilience to multiple stresses in wheat and pea. You will examine how management practices modify genotype responses across growing conditions, with a particular focus on interactions between genotype, environment, and management.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct field experiments comparing different agroecological management practices
- Measure crop development, phenology, yield, and quality traits
- Monitor abiotic and biotic stresses (drought, heat, nutrient limitations, weeds, pests, diseases)
- Conduct biodiversity assessments, microbiome analyses, and environmental observations
- Process and analyze data using statistical methods
- Write scientific publications and communicate research findings
Who Should Apply
This position is best for candidates with a strong background in agronomy, crop science, or plant ecology.
Required:
- MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, Ecology, Agricultural Systems Science, or related field
- Documented experience with plants, crops, or agricultural systems
- Good knowledge of plant ecology and understanding of sustainable crop production
- Documented experience in statistical data analysis
- Good command of written and spoken English
Advantageous:
- Experience with crop phenotyping, crop physiology, or genotype evaluation
- Experience with field assessment of weeds, pests, diseases, or environmental factors
- Experience in scientific writing and communication
- A driving licence valid for use in Sweden
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years (full-time) |
| Location | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Salary | Follows local collective agreement with fixed salary steps |
| Research Environment | Interdisciplinary Ecology Centre |
| International Collaboration | European research consortium |
Application Tips
- Highlight agroecological experience – Understanding of sustainable crop production.
- Show statistical analysis skills – Documented experience required.
- Demonstrate crop research experience – Field experimentation.
- Prepare for interview – Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
- Apply before deadline – September 15, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the SLU application portal.
Contact: Martin Weih – martin.weih@slu.se / Jonathan Cope – jonathan.cope@slu.se
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the qualification requirement? MSc in Agronomy, Crop Science, Plant Biology, Ecology, or related field.
- What is the duration? 4 years (full-time).
- What is the start date? December 2026.
- What is the location? Uppsala, Sweden.
- What is the deadline? September 15, 2026.
Hello Dear Professor, i am Zain from Pakistan,
i have complete M.Sc Agriculture Agronomy, University of Agriculture Peshawar, Khyber pakhtonkhwa session 2024-2026
I am interested Germany fully funded PhD scholarship programs.