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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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Doctoral position in RNA-based crop protection in wheat and potato Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Employment as a doctoral student; doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement; salary progression is fixed.
Deadline
Nov 24, 2026
Country
Sweden
University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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About this position
The doctoral project focuses on RNA-based crop protection in two important pathosystems: wheat and potato. The central idea is to use spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), where externally applied double-stranded RNA is used to reduce the expression of selected pathogen genes and thereby limit disease development.
In wheat, the project aims to establish SIGS against Septoria tritici blotch caused by Zymoseptoria tritici. In potato, the work builds on ongoing research on late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. Across both systems, the project will examine how RNA moves, is taken up, and remains biologically active, with the goal of understanding the factors that determine treatment effectiveness.
The work combines plant–pathogen experiments with molecular biology, RNA analysis, gene expression studies, and microscopy. Depending on the research questions, the project may also include small RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The doctoral student will receive training in the methods needed and will collaborate closely with colleagues working in RNA biology and plant pathology.
The position is based in the Department of Plant Breeding at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp. The department works on plant genetic diversity, genomics, biotechnology, crop improvement, product quality, and interactions between plants and their environment. The doctoral student will also be part of the subject area Plants and the Environment, which brings together research on crop responses to environmental conditions, disease resistance, RNA biology, and plant–microbe interactions.
During the doctoral studies, the student will develop independent scientific questions, analyse and publish results, present work at scientific meetings, and participate in doctoral courses, seminars, and broader collaboration within and beyond SLU.
Funding details
Employment as a doctoral student; doctoral student’s salaries are set following the local collective agreement; salary progression is fixed.
What's required
Applicants must meet the general entry requirements for doctoral education: a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, at least 240 higher education credits with at least 60 credits at second-cycle level, or substantially equivalent knowledge. They must also meet the specific entry requirements for the third-cycle subject Biology by holding, or being 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. Admission requires that the doctoral education entry requirements are met before admission. Equivalent English language proficiency corresponding to Swedish upper-secondary Engelska B/6 is required. Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology, RNA analysis or plant–microbe interactions is advantageous; experience with plant disease experiments, fungal or oomycete pathogens, microscopy or sequencing bioinformatics is also valuable. Good written and spoken English is required.
How to apply
Submit your application through the link provided in the advert. Include the attachments required by SLU’s doctoral education application instructions. Applications cannot be submitted through the recruitment system on 20–22 November due to a system update.
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