Doctoral position in RNA-based crop protection in wheat and potato

Department of Plant Breeding Third-cycle subject area Biology RNA-based approaches offer new possibilities for protecting crops against disease. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) uses externally applied double-stranded RNA to reduce the expression of selected pathogen genes. Its effectiveness depends on how RNA reaches the pathogen, is taken up and remains biologically active. Understanding these processes is an important step towards reliable RNA-based crop protection. We are looking for a doctoral student to develop and evaluate SIGS against Septoria tritici blotch in wheat, caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici, and to build on our ongoing research on potato late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans. About the position Establishing SIGS in wheat will be a central part of the project. You will evaluate RNA-based treatments and investigate their effects on pathogen gene expression and disease development. In potato, you will build on established approaches to further investigate RNA-based disease control. Across the two systems, you will also study aspects of RNA uptake, movement and biological activity to better understand the factors that influence treatment effectiveness. The results will help guide the next stages of the project. The work will combine plant–pathogen experiments, molecular biology, RNA analysis, gene expression studies and microscopy. Depending on the research questions, it may also include small RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. You will receive training in the methods needed for your project and work closely with colleagues in RNA biology and plant pathology. Your work will combine questions about how RNA functions with the development of new approaches to crop disease control. During your doctoral studies, you will develop your own scientific questions, analyse and publish your results, and present your work at scientific meetings. You will also participate in doctoral courses, seminars and collaboration within and beyond SLU. Requirements To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39). Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in Biology. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must hold, or be in the process of completing, a Master’s degree or equivalent in biology, biotechnology, plant breeding, horticulture, agronomy or a related subject, with a relevant focus such as molecular biology, plant pathology, microbiology or plant protection. You must meet the requirements for admission to doctoral education before admission. You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6. Your profile Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, RNA analysis or plant–microbe interactions is an advantage. Experience with plant disease experiments, fungal or oomycete pathogens, microscopy or bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data is also valuable. You are not expected to have experience in all these areas. We are looking for someone who is curious, works carefully and takes initiative. You should be able to organise your work, assess results critically and collaborate with others. Good written and spoken English is required. Teaching and supervision of students may be included in the position. About us The Department of Plant Breeding at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) conducts research and education to support sustainable production of food, feed and plant-based industrial products. Our research spans plant genetic diversity, genomics, biotechnology, crop improvement, product quality and interactions between plants and their environment. We combine fundamental and applied research to understand important plant traits and develop improved crops and sustainable production methods. Read more about our department here https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/organisation/departments/vf_en/ This doctoral position is within the subject area Plants and the Environment, where we study crop responses to environmental conditions, disease resistance, RNA biology and interactions between plants and microorganisms. The research includes RNA-based approaches to crop protection and the role of beneficial microorganisms in plant health. Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/  Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ Form of employment / Funding   Employment as a doctoral student Doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed. Location:   Alnarp Scope:   100% Start date:   Upon agreement. Application and selection:   Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 24 of November 2026. Applications cannot be submitted through the recruitment system on 20–22 November due to a system update. Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/ Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time. Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/