Researcher in plant breeding, genomics, and sensory and nutritional quality

Department of Plant Breeding

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in genetics, genomics and crop improvement

About the position

The position focuses on understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance and grain nutrient quality in wheat and lentil, with particular emphasis on micronutrients such as iron and zinc. The overall objective is to identify genetic regions and markers associated with resistance, nutritional and quality traits which can contribute to future breeding efforts. The position will also contribute to the development of data-driven approaches for crop improvement and food innovation. The successful candidate will contribute to integrating advanced genomic and phenotypic approaches with metabolomic and ionomic analyses, food processing and emerging artificial intelligence approaches, within a research environment working at the interface of genetics and pre-breeding/crop improvement.

The candidate will lead experimental and analytical work within the subject and collaborate with other researchers and students in the group as well as outside the organisation.

The work will include:

Analyse Genotyping by sequencing (GBS) data (quality control, read mapping and SNP calling)

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)

Field evaluation and phenotyping of diverse germplasm

Data analysis, interpretation, and preparation of scientific publications within the subject

Participate in collaborative research activities and supervision of students

Apply for external research funding

Your profile

Qualification requirements

The following qualifications are required:

A PhD in plant genetics, plant breeding, agriculture, or a related field

Good understanding of the genetic basis of complex quantitative traits

Experience with GBS data and GWAS

Experience with nutritional quality traits in crops

Experience with metabolomic and ionomic profiling including the integration and analysis of multi-omics datasets

Experience with advanced statistical methods for analysing genetic and phenotypic data

Practical experience with field experiments, data collection and phenotyping

Good skills in the programming language R or a comparable language

Very good written and oral English skills

The candidate must be able to take a leading role in research development as well as to collaborate in research groups and have good overall communication skills.

Additional qualifications

The following qualifications are meritorious:

Experience in plant pathology and/or plant physiology

Machine learning, artificial intelligence or other data-driven approaches to biological datasets

Assessment criteria

Assessment will be based on the applicant's scientific competence and experience relevant to the research area of the position. Emphasis will be placed on documented experience in field phenotyping and analysis of genetic data.

The evaluation will also consider the applicant's ability to conduct independent research, collaborate within a multidisciplinary research environment, and communicate scientific results through publications and presentations.

About us

The position focuses on understanding the genetic basis of disease resistance and grain nutrient quality in wheat and lentil, with particular emphasis on micronutrients such as iron and zinc. The overall objective is to identify genetic regions and markers associated with resistance, nutritional and quality traits which can contribute to future breeding efforts. The position will also contribute to the development of data-driven approaches for crop improvement and food innovation. The successful candidate will contribute to integrating advanced genomic and phenotypic approaches with metabolomic and ionomic analyses, food processing and emerging artificial intelligence approaches, within a research environment working at the interface of genetics and pre-breeding/crop improvement.

For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/vf_en/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Alnarp

Form of employment:

Permanent position

Scope:

100%

Start date:

2027-02-01 or as agreed

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 24 of November 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Applications cannot be submitted through the recruitment system on 20-22 November due to a system update.

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.