Work at SLU
Would you like to join us in creating the conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world?
Meet some of our employees
"I get to evolve and develop my course and teaching over time" - Erin, associate senior lecturer
"Being a researcher at SLU is very unique" - Alex, researcher
"You can meet people from a wide variety of diciplines" - Ruben, professor
"My colleagues are brilliant" - Anders, systems manager
"I can knock on anyone's door, manager or colleague" - Malin, maintenance manager.
"Going to work in the morning is like going to a second family" - Mohamed, systems administrator
Mohamed Amin Kaafar, division of IT in Umeå.
What is your title and what brought you to SLU?
I started working as a systems administrator through a recruitment company in the spring of 2015. The idea was that I would cover for an employee on parental leave for a few months, but I got lucky and was later employed by SLU.
As a systems administrator, what do you do? What are your primary duties?
As systems administrator, I am responsible for the administration and operation of some of the systems in the Division of IT. I’m currently working mostly with email, virtualisation and storage. Additionally, I respond to support matters submitted by our users, and I try to solve their problems. I studied information systems at Umeå University, but after my studies were completed, I chose a more technical specialisation, which I’m happy about today.
What do you like about your job?
I feel like I’m constantly achieving things and that my knowledge continually develops. I also feel that both my manager and colleagues appreciate me. Going to work in the morning is like going to a second family. I certainly don’t wake up full of dread every morning!
What does the SLU slogan “Science and education for sustainable life” mean to you?
For me, the slogan means research and learning for a better future planet.
How would you describe what it’s like to work at SLU to those who don’t know about us?
It’s open and flexible. It’s easy to get in touch with other SLU employees, and I feel secure with my employer. We have a good work environment that is getting even better. I think that it’s exciting that so much is happening throughout the organisation. My days are never the same – new things happen all the time and I am always prepared for new challenges. I also like to meet people from all over the world here at SLU.
"I love to teach" - Sanna, lecturer
Sanna Gille, department of Clinical Sciences in Uppsala.
What is your title and what brought you to SLU?
I work as a lecturer at the Department of Clinical Sciences at SLU Uppsala, almost exclusively in the Veterinary Nursing programme.
For many periods in my life, I have been interested in teaching, and this post allows me to teach the subjects I’m most passionate about. For me, it was natural to apply for this job.
As a lecturer, what do you do? What are your primary duties?
Most of my time is spent on preparing lessons and actually teaching, both theoretical and practical teaching. However, there is also some administration such as designing exams, grading criteria, etc. Currently, I am also the deputy director of studies at the department, which means I also work with general teaching issues.
What do you like about your job?
I love to teach – thinking about how to improve an exercise for next year, changing a lecture to another form of teaching... Such issues are very exciting, and I have many opportunities to affect our courses and programmes.
It’s wonderful to follow our students through their years at SLU, and they give so much back. The students are the biggest reason I love working at SLU.
What does the SLU slogan “Science and education for sustainable life” mean to you?
It means that those who work at SLU constantly strive to ensure that students are given good knowledge on how we as individuals and groups contribute to a sustainable world, environmentally, socially and financially. It’s important that we work together to do what we can to make a sustainable world for us and future generations.
How would you describe what it’s like to work at SLU to those who don’t know about us?
This is a workplace that allows you to evolve since leading research and knowledge about your subject is gathered in one place. You can always discuss small and large issues with someone, which is also makes you develop – and it’s fun!
"Even after 14 years, I still find it challenging since there is so much more to learn" - Johan, researcher
Johan Lövgren, department of Aquatic Resources in Lysekil.
What is your title and what brought you to SLU?
I work as a researcher and head of unit of the stock analysis group. My work concerns estimating the status of various commercial fish and shellfish stock in the oceans surrounding Sweden. In order to do this, we use collected data from fishing boats and our surveillance vessels. We calculate the amount of mature fish as well as how much fishing pressure the stock is exposed to. Based on the findings, we then submit biological counsel on how much can be taken from the stock. After I completed my university studies in 2004 in Umeå, I was offered a job at the former National Board of Fisheries’ Institute of Marine Research in Lysekil. In 2011, the board was discontinued, and the institute became part of the Department of Aquatic Resources at SLU.
What does a researcher do? What are your primary duties?
We constantly try to improve methods for estimating stock and data collection. My main duty is to deliver biological counsel on various commercial stock as well as ensure that the people in my group can carry out their duties in the best way.
What do you like about your job?
Even after 14 years, I still find it challenging since there is so much more to learn.
What does the SLU slogan “Science and education for sustainable life” mean to you?
It means that SLU works with sustainable use.
How would you describe what it’s like to work at SLU to those who don’t know about us?
Since our operations differ in many regards to how other departments work, I can’t exactly say what it’s like to work at SLU in general. However, I get along well with my colleagues and enjoy my duties at the Institute of Marine Research in Lysekil.
"In my role, I meet and get to know many different SLU colleagues" - Susanne, human resources administrator
Susanne Lindwall, department of Animal Environment and Health in Skara.
What is your title and what brought you to SLU?
Today, I primarily work as a human resources administrator, but I am also the administrator of a research project concerning future sustainable dog ownership. I previously worked as an assistant at the now discontinued “Djurskyddsmyndigheten” (animal welfare agency) here in Skara, and I was recommended to apply for my current SLU job through my contacts there.
As a human resources administrator, what do you do? What are your primary duties?
I am responsible for staff administration here at the Department of Animal Environment and Health as well as the Skara site office. I primarily work with recruitments and employments, introductions for new employees, general staff issues as well as work environment issues.
What do you like about your job?
My job is very varying and social. In my role, I meet and get to know many different SLU colleagues. I’m glad to have been given the responsibility of working with staff administration as well as the opportunity to develop my job and knowledge. Additionally, I have the benefit of both living and working in the small city of Skara, which allows me to bike to work. We have a great work environment at our campus – there are many lovely buildings and green spaces that are visited daily by both dogs and horses.
What does the SLU slogan “Science and education for sustainable life” mean to you?
I think it’s a very good and expressive slogan that shows that SLU stands for well-thought out and future-driven research and education.
How would you describe what it’s like to work at SLU to those who don’t know about us?
It’s fun to be part of this university that is represented in so many locations in Sweden. SLU feels like a “big, small university”, and I get to be part of all distinguished research and teaching that takes place here, despite not being a researcher or teacher.