The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Department of Biosystems and Technology, is inviting applications for a two-year Postdoctoral position in intercropping and varietal diversity in organic cropping systems based in Alnarp, Sweden. This research project focuses on understanding how crop traits and species combinations influence competition, complementarity, and productivity in diversified agroecological systems.
Position Overview
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Research Area | Agroecology, Crop Diversification, Intercropping, Organic Cropping Systems |
| Location | Alnarp, Sweden |
| Department | Department of Biosystems and Technology (Horticultural and Agroecological Systems) |
| Employment Type | Temporary full-time (24 months, with possibility of extension) |
| Application Deadline | 21 September 2026 |
Job Description
The successful candidate will join a research initiative aimed at developing cultivation methods for traditional pea varieties that have desirable agronomic traits (such as weed suppression and high productivity) and culinary/nutritional qualities, but face lodging challenges on an arable scale.
Key responsibilities include:
- Formulating research questions and hypotheses to evaluate interactions among traits (e.g., early ground cover, plant length, productivity) in various intercrop combinations of pea, faba bean, and cereals.
- Evaluating the impacts of these interactions on weed abundance, biological nitrogen fixation, and harvested grain nutrient content.
- Conducting field experiments and performing multivariate statistical analyses using theoretical frameworks such as niche theory and the 4C framework.
- Publishing scientific articles in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Translating research findings into practical recommendations for farmers interested in increasing agrobiodiversity.
- Engaging in international research collaborations and contributing to project proposals.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- PhD degree in agroecology, agricultural science, horticultural science, or equivalent. (The position is aimed at junior researchers who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline, with standard exceptions for parental leave, illness, or military service).
- Documented knowledge of organic cultivation of grain legumes and cereals in Northern Europe/the Nordics.
- Extensive experience conducting field experiment research with intercrop combinations.
- Deep understanding of ecological mechanisms in diversified cropping systems (e.g., competition, niche overlap, facilitation, complementary resource use).
- Excellent communication and writing skills in both English and Swedish.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience collaborating with farmers and growers.
- Proven record in international research networks.
- Experience with research grant writing and proposal development.
- Knowledge of cultural heritage varieties of legumes and cereals.
- Practical experience in measuring biological nitrogen fixation in legumes.
- Experience with university-level teaching and student supervision.
About the Host Department
The Department of Biosystems and Technology at SLU explores the interactions between soil, plants, animals, the environment, climate, and humans in systems designed for sustainable food production and renewable raw materials. The researcher will be based in the Horticultural and Agroecological Systems (HAS) group and will benefit from field facilities such as the Lönnstorp field research station.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application electronically through the SLU recruitment portal before the closing deadline.
For inquiries regarding the position, please contact:
Georg Carlsson
Professor, Department of Biosystems and Technology
Phone: +46 40 41 52 54
Email: georg.carlsson@slu.se
Click here to view official posting and apply online
