Nematologist

Permanent position | Full-time | Collective agreement | Occupational pension | 28–35 days of holiday | Health and wellness allowance | Uppsala | Flex | Last application date 2025-11-25

Apply here: https://sva.varbi.com/se/what:job/jobID:860562/

Nematologist at Sweden's National Reference Laboratory for Plant Pests

Do you want to take part in building Sweden’s National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for plant pests from the ground up?

The Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA) is now seeking a nematologist to join a new team of experts in plant pathology. In this role, you will play a key part in establishing diagnostic methods, ensuring quality standards, and strengthening Sweden’s capacity for the detection and identification of plant pests at both national and EU level.

Your role

As a nematologist, you will:

• Establish and implement diagnostic methods in accordance with international standards (EPPO)
• Work with diagnostics of quarantine nematodes and provide national expert support
• Participate in method validation, accreditation and quality assurance work
• Collaborate with other NRLs and EURLs and contribute to international projects
• Contribute to the establishment of methods in related organism areas within the NRL for plant pests

About you

You have:

A PhD in biology, plant pathology, or a related field Several years of experience and specialization in nematology Experience in method development and project management

• Full professional proficiency in English; proficiency in Swedish is an advantage.

Personal qualities:

We place great importance on personal qualities. As a person, you are thorough, cooperative and able to work independently. You thrive in a role where you can contribute your specialist knowledge and collaborate with other experts in various fields of biology.

Desirable qualifications:

Experience of working at, or in collaboration with, an NRL, EURL, or official laboratories. Expertise in molecular and morphological diagnostics of nematodes, laboratory setup, biosafety and biosecurity work, method validation, and accreditation. An established national or international professional network in nematology or plant pathology is also an asset.

Your future with us

Once the laboratory is established, there will be opportunities to participate in research projects and method development. From the start, you will gain international contacts within the EU plant pathology network and contribute to shaping future standards for plant pest diagnostics.

About SVA

The Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA) is a government expert authority that, through diagnostics, advice, and research, strengthens Sweden’s ability to prevent and control diseases that threaten animals, plants, and food security.

As part of ensuring sustainable plant protection in Sweden, SVA is establishing a National Reference Laboratory (NRL) – an expert function responsible for method standardisation and quality control in plant pest diagnostics. You will be part of a dedicated team within the Department of Microbiology, working closely with other sections across SVA.

Terms

The position begins with a six-month probationary period.

The position is full-time and based in Uppsala, Sweden.

Application

Apply with your CV and cover letter in English or Swedish.