Postdoctoral Researcher: Self-Seeding and Crop Diversity in Peas within Organic Farming Systems

Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet · Vollzeit

Alnarp, Schweden

Department of Biosystems and Technology Have you conducted research on ecological mechanisms in diversified cropping systems? If so, you may be the person we are looking for this two-year postdoctoral position, which will generate new knowledge about how pea variety characteristics and intercropping combinations of peas, field beans/fava beans and cereals affect competition, complementary resource use, and yield. About the Position You will work on a project aimed at developing cultivation methods for heritage pea varieties that have demonstrated desirable properties both in cultivation (e.g., strong weed competition and high yield) and as food raw materials (nutritional content, flavor, etc.), but which are difficult to grow in arable land due to extensive lodging at or before mature harvest. You will formulate hypotheses and/or research questions to analyze how characteristics such as early ground cover, plant height, and yield can interact in different intercropping combinations, and evaluate the effects of such interactions on, among other things, weed occurrence, biological nitrogen fixation, and nutrient content at harvest. Furthermore, the results will be used to investigate how ecological mechanisms affect resource efficiency in diversified crops, thereby generating new knowledge about the relationships between crop diversity and sustainability in agroecological production systems. You will be involved in field experiments to investigate ecological mechanisms in various intercropping combinations with a selection of heritage pea varieties, field beans/fava beans, and different cereal varieties. The field experiments will generate multivariate data, and you are expected to conduct statistical analyses and interpret data based on scientific literature and theoretical frameworks (e.g., 4C, niche theory) that describe interactions between cultivated crops and their environment. The position involves responsibility for data analysis and scientific publication of results, as well as communicating practically applicable recommendations, for example to farmers interested in contributing to increased agricultural biodiversity by reintroducing heritage pea varieties in organic intercropping systems. The project is closely linked to other ongoing and recently completed research projects within the subject area, and there are good opportunities for international collaboration. You are expected to work independently on publishing the project's results in scientific articles and contribute to the development of new research projects and collaborations. The position also requires active participation in the research environment through collaboration, joint idea development, and contributions to the subject area and the department's activities. Your Background Required Qualifications: - PhD in agroecology, agricultural science, horticulture, or equivalent - Knowledge of organic cultivation of pulses (grain legumes) and cereals in a Nordic/Northern European context - Experience with field experiments involving various intercropping combinations - Knowledge of ecological mechanisms in intercropped crops, such as competition, niche overlap, complementary resource use, compensation, facilitation - Knowledge of cultivated diversity (intercropping as well as other methods for crop diversification) and practical application of ecological mechanisms in diversified farming systems - Excellent communication skills in English and Swedish, both written and verbal Desirable Qualifications: - Experience collaborating with farmers/growers - Experience in international research collaboration - Experience writing research proposals - Knowledge of heritage varieties of pulses and cereals - Experience measuring nitrogen fixation in legumes - Experience in teaching and supervising university-level students The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily seeking individuals who completed their PhD no more than three years ago. If there are special circumstances, the PhD may have been completed earlier. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within labor organizations, military service, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or relevant service/assignments for the subject area. About Us At the Department of Biosystems and Technology, we explore the interactions between soil, plants, animals, environment, climate, and people in systems for sustainable production of food and renewable raw materials. The advertised position is linked to the subject area of Horticultural and Agroecological Systems (HAS) within the department. Agroecological research within HAS focuses on sustainability in horticultural and agricultural systems and how it is affected by crop selection, crop diversity, and management methods. The subject area is actively engaged in teaching related to its research areas and also manages field experiments at the Lönnstorp field research station—an infrastructure for long-term and experimental research in cultivation systems and agroecological methods. More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/biosystem-teknologi/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Location: Alnarp Employment Type: Fixed-term appointment for 24 months, with possibility of extension. Scope: 100% Start Date: By agreement. Application: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below no later than 2026-09-21. Labor Union Representatives: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between people, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational facilities throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion kronor. The university is investing in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work toward an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people from different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.