Doctoral position in Technology

Department of Biosystems and Technology At the Department of Biosystems and Technology, we explore interactions between soil, plants, animals, environment, climate and humans in systems for sustainable production of food and renewable raw materials. Our teaching and research activities concern questions about sustainable and efficient use of limited resources for production in greenhouses, on agricultural land and in farm buildings. For more information about the department, visit: Department of Biosystems and Technology This doctoral announcement is part of the faculty's investment in 10 doctoral students in 2024! Read more here: Strategic initiatives at the LTV Faculty – call for 10 doctoral student projects | Medarbetarwebben (slu.se) Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Research project: Machine systems for cost-effective cultivation in agrivoltaic parks Research subject: Technology Description: With rising electricity prices and increased demand for renewable electricity, interest in setting up solar parks on arable land has increased significantly. However, such facilities have so far led to a decrease in the area available for the production of food and feed. By combining plant cultivation with the production of solar electricity (so-called agrivoltaics), this arable land is expected to be able to contribute to the future needs of both food and renewable electricity. This doctoral work focuses primarily on modelling and simulation of machine systems for cultivation of agricultural and horticultural crops in agrivoltaic parks. The purpose of the modelling is e.g. to study machine performance, different logistics solutions, costs, soil compaction, energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions for both conventional and autonomous machines in different designs of agrivoltaic parks. The doctoral student will be involved in an ongoing project where e.g. Mälardalen University, Region Skåne and RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) are involved. Qualifications: We are looking for you who are highly motivated and have an MSc or MEng in mechanical engineering, systems analysis, modelling/simulation or similar subject areas. You must have a great interest and understanding of the use of modern technology in the cultivation of crops on arable land. You must be able to work independently and collaborate with people inside and outside the university and have good communication skills, including very good ability to communicate and write in English. It is advantageous if you have experience from modelling dynamic event-driven systems within e.g. food production. Documented knowledge of the cultivation of agricultural and horticultural crops is also meritorious, as is previous experience of research work. We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Place of work:       Alnarp, Sweden Forms for funding or employment: Employment 100% during 4 years. Starting date: According to agreement (in the autumn 2024). Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-06-07. To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level. Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details. Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/ Academic 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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.