Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Crop Production Ecology The Department of Crop Production Ecology is part of the Ecology Centre and, together with the Department of Ecology, offers a dynamic and inspiring research environment. We develop knowledge about resilient and sustainable crop production systems to meet the demands for quantity and quality in terms of food, animal feed and bio-based raw materials in a changing world. The research focuses on the challenges arising from increased demand, climate change, environmental impact and loss of biodiversity linked to agricultural and food systems. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Agroecological Performance Assessment Research subject: Crop production science Description: Assessing how agroecological (AE) practices perform requires robust, context-sensitive tools that capture outcomes beyond short-term yields. Across Europe, farming systems operate under very different agroclimatic, economic, and social conditions, and existing assessment approaches are often not fully adapted to the complexity and diversity of cropping systems. AGRITASC addresses this by developing an integrated assessment framework that evaluates AE practices across environmental, agronomic, and socio-economic dimensions. The PhD is embedded in an international, interdisciplinary research environment and is connected to farmers through Living Labs. As a PhD student in AGRITASC (funded by the Agroecology Partnership/FORMAS), you will work across three connected research areas. First, you will review and refine agronomic assessment tools and complement them with additional models, comparing agroecological and, when possible, conventional practices across the project’s Living Labs in Sweden, Estonia, Germany, Romania, and Spain. You will work with indicators related to soil, crops, livestock, water and nutrient efficiency, crop health, and animal welfare, developed together with stakeholders. Second, you will help build an integrated framework by combining these refined components into a coherent methodology and embedding the results in a multi‑criteria decision‑analysis structure. Finally, you will apply this framework to evaluate performance, linking agronomic and ecological outcomes with socio‑economic results to identify trade‑offs within the AGRITASC Living Labs.   Your PhD will combine model/tool work with direct stakeholder interaction in Living Labs, synthesis and quantitative analysis, and scientific writing. You will contribute to produce scientific knowledge, dissemination and engagement activities - helping translate results into policy-relevant briefs and practical guidance - and participate in courses, conferences, and international project collaborations. Qualifications: We are looking for a candidate who has: • A second-cycle (MSc) degree in agronomy, agroecology, agricultural systems, or a related field. • Solid understanding of agricultural production systems. • Experience with quantitative analysis. • Strong interest in agroecology and in assessing system performance. • Good command of written and spoken English. • Ability to collaborate with stakeholders.  Meritorious: • Ability to communicate in, or willingness to learn, Swedish. • Experience with agroecology/sustainability assessment frameworks. • Experience in transdisciplinary or participatory research. • Knowledge of European and/or temperate-region agriculture. • A driving licence valid for use in Sweden. We place particular emphasis on personal qualities, including ability to work both independently and collaboratively, take initiative, manage complex tasks in a structured way, and contribute positively to a team environment across disciplines and countries. Place of work:       Uppsala. Forms for funding or employment: Employment PhD (4 years). Scope: 100%. Starting date: As soon as possible or by agreement. Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-04-15.  To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level. Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details. Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/ Academic 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.