Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Agroecology programme. The position is available from 01 August 2025 or later. You can submit your application via the link under 'how to apply'.
Title
Investigating the Role of Biologicals in Managing disease and drought stress in tomatoes
Research area and project description
Biologicals are nature-based products that can increase yield, improve soil and plant health, and manage crop pests and pathogens. They offer alternatives to conventional agrochemicals, which negatively impact on the environment and biodiversity. When used correctly, they can enhance resilience by promoting more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The importance and attractiveness of biologicals are growing due to increasing pressures to reduce pesticide use. However, the effects of biologicals under field conditions are seldom observed. This PhD project aims to investigate how to effectively integrate biologicals into managing diseases and drought stress in tomato. We are particularly interested in gaining significant understanding of how critical factors such as temperature, application timing, and cultivar influences the efficacy of biologicals to control plant diseases. Additionally, the PhD project seeks to develop a robust validation system for biologicals. Ultimately, the PhD project should lead to a better understanding of the use of biologicals optimal under field conditions.
Key responsibilities:
- Conduct basic and applied research on biologicals to understand the key factors that influence the efficacy of biologicals in controlling/managing disease and drought stress in tomatoes.
- Independently design and implement experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
- Establish a robust system for testing and validating biologicals against disases and drougth stress in tomatoes
- Present findings at conferences and publish research in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
- Participate in outreach activities to disseminate research outcomes to stakeholders and contribute to teaching in the department.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners.
Project description (½-3 pages)
This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Master’s degree in Plant Pathology, Agriculture, Biology, Microbiology or in a related field.
In addition, candidates with the following skills will be prioritized:
- Experience with plant-microbe interactions in greenhouse/and or field conditions
- Experience working with biologicals on plants
- Experience working with tomatoes
- Analytical skills and proficiency in statistical analysis.
- Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to independently design and carry out experiments
- Experience in academic writing
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Flakkebjerg, Forsøgsvej 1, 4200 Slagelse
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
- Sabine Ravnskov, sabine.ravnskov@agro.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Isaac Kwesi Abuley, ikabuley@agro.au.dk (co-supervisor)
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 31 May 2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 1 August 2025.
Interested candidates should submit the following documents
- A cover letter outlining your research interests and motivation for applying.
- Project plan, detailing how you will address project’s objectives
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Contact information for at least two references.
- Transcripts of academic qualifications.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Slagelse Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Forsøgsvej, 4200 Slagelse
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 31-05-2025;
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/6c72a96b-bc36-4073-b253-68ae380277f1
