Postdoc – cropping systems without pesticides

We seek a motivated postdoc interested in exploring alternative cropping systems and assessing impacts given the removal of chemical pesticides from arable crop production. You will join a strong international and interdisciplinary research environment working with applied agroecological research.

About the position

Pests and weeds cause significant crop yield losses. Chemical pesticides have mitigated losses, but are increasingly scrutinised and regulated due to risks to the environment and human health. The lack of discovery of new modes of action, increasing costs of registrations, and development of resistance among weeds and pests, further limit the prospects for relying on chemical pesticides for crop protection. There is an urgent need to assess the consequences for arable crop production given the disappearance of chemical pesticides and to identify and test sustainable crop protection solutions beyond chemical pesticides, such as substitutions and cropping systems redesign based on ecological knowledge.  

The postdoc will assess impacts given the removal of chemical pesticides from crop production, using Swedish agriculture as a case study. Focusing on insecticides, the postdoc will then together with researchers and stakeholders identify the most effective and feasible alternatives to chemical pesticides and test and evaluate those alternatives empirically. The postdoc will coordinate a synthesis of scientific and stakeholder knowledge and possible innovations, as well as design, conduct and analyse field experiments. The postdoc will publish and disseminate the results in collaboration with the research team. The postdoc is expected to contribute to team activities, assist in student supervision and communicate with stakeholders. Authorities, crop advisory companies, farmers, and farmer organisations will be engaged in the project. The postdoc will link to an existing comprehensive network of national and international researchers in the area of sustainable crop protection, such as the European Research Alliance Towards Chemical Pesticide Free Agriculture.

Your profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate who actively pursues an academic career. You should have documented research experience and an interest in the research area. The position requires a Ph.D. in ecology, agricultural entomology, environmental science, agronomy or an equivalent subject. You should have a documented ability to independently initiate, conduct, and complete research projects and to generate and publish the findings in international peer-reviewed journals. Written and oral communication skills in English at an academic level are required, as are relevant skills in statistical analysis. The candidate is expected to be able and willing to take initiative and to work both independently and in a team. Inter- and transdisciplinary experience as well as experience in designing, performing, and reporting field-based research in agricultural entomology or ecology is considered a merit.

Selection is based on the written application and interviews. The application, written in English, must include:

 1) a statement of your scientific interests and motivation for applying for this position, including experience in the research area (max 5000 characters including spaces)

 2) Curriculum vitae, including a complete publication list, separated into peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed publications

 3) Contact details of two professional references

 4) Copies of previous academic degrees and transcripts of academic records

The statement should highlight current research interests, expertise, and other activities relevant to the advertised position. Particular emphasis will be placed on your written statement of motivation describing your research interests and indicating interest and expertise in the research area, but we will also consider personal characteristics, including collaborative skills.

About us

The position is based at the Department of Ecology, part of the Ecology Center of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. The postdoc will join a dynamic, international and interdisciplinary research environment with an extensive national and international network focusing on sustainable agriculture. We conduct research for sustainable agriculture, forest production and biological conservation. Solutions are sought that will produce enough food sustainably, mitigate climate change, preserve threatened species, and support biological diversity and ecosystem services. Active dissemination, outreach and frequent contacts with stakeholders are key activities. We build on extensive national and international research collaborations to generate cutting-edge research and outreach to further ecology as science and promote sustainable agriculture.

More about the Department: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/ecology/

More about working work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Uppsala, Sweden.

Form of employment:

Postdoc 2 year. Time limited employment with possibility for extension.

Scope:

100%.

Start date:

August 2026, or by agreement.

Application:

We welcome your application no later than 7 April 2026. Please use the button below.

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.