Researcher in Perennialization of Cropping Systems

Researcher in Perennialization of Cropping Systems

SLU - Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Crop Production Ecology

Uppsala, Sweden

About the position

The Department of Crop Production Ecology is seeking a researcher specializing in the perennialization of cropping systems. Perennialization of crops offers great opportunities for farmers and sustainable agriculture. Many current annual cropping systems contribute to soil erosion, nutrient runoff into waterways, greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased biodiversity, while also being sensitive to climate variability such as drought. Perennial crops can reduce the need for inputs, lessen environmental impact, and increase system resilience to climate change.

There are already successful examples internationally, such as perennial rice in China and Kernza in the USA. In Europe, however, the cultivation of perennial cereals is still limited, partly due to knowledge gaps regarding their physiology, productivity, and adaptability. To develop robust and sustainable perennial cropping systems, research is needed to explain the agroecological mechanisms that govern yield, resilience, and competitiveness. As a researcher with us, you will conduct your own research that contributes to this knowledge building and to integrating perennial crops into the cropping systems of the future.

Your profile

Requirements

• A doctoral degree in agroecology, ecology, crop production science, or a related field.
• At least five years of postdoctoral experience in research on the perennialization of cropping systems.
• Experience in planning and conducting field experiments, as well as good knowledge of experimental design and statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Solid experience in managing and analyzing large datasets.
• A proven ability to publish in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Very good written and oral skills in English
• Good collaboration skills, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and in a team, preferably in multicultural research environments.
• Experience in collaboration with stakeholders outside of academia.

Meritorious

• Experience in research on perennial cereal crops, perennial cropping systems, and ecological intensification.
• Experience in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Active engagement in international research collaborations.
• Experience in project planning, project management, and fieldwork.