Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Biology

We are looking for an independent and motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct experimental studies on viruses causing the disease virus yellows in sugar beet.

About the Job

We are seeking someone who wants to be part of our team to identify resistance to virus yellows in sugar beet. You will map the diversity in Sweden of the viruses causing virus yellows using molecular methods and sequence analyses, as well as develop molecular tools to facilitate the identification of resistant plants. The ultimate goal is sustainable cultivation of sugar beet in Sweden with varieties that have strong resistance to virus yellows. The project is carried out in collaboration with Nordic Beet Research and KWS Scandinavia and is financially supported by SLU Grogrund, the Center for Plant Breeding of Food Crops, which connects academia and industry to promote sustainable and competitive agriculture in Sweden.

Your Background

Basic Requirements

• You should have obtained a PhD in biology with a focus on plants or a related field.
• Documented ability to independently conduct research and publish results scientifically.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Good ability to independently design and execute research tasks.
• Good collaborative skills.
• Personal suitability.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with plant-microbe interactions and particularly molecular studies of plant viruses.
• Basic bioinformatics skills (e.g., analysis of NGS data).

The postdoctoral position is a career-developing appointment for early-career researchers, and we are therefore looking for a candidate who has defended their thesis no more than three years ago.

About Us

The Department of Plant Biology offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up 'Uppsala BioCenter'. At the Department of Plant Biology, fundamental and strategic plant biological research is conducted on agricultural crops, forest trees, bioenergy crops, and model organisms. Our main research areas include the interaction between plants and microorganisms, abiotic and biotic stress, growth and development in plants, biotechnology and metabolic manipulation, regulation of gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis, and development of breeding systems. We use model plants such as Arabidopsis, Physcomitrella, and tobacco, as well as crops like rapeseed, potatoes, cereals, and sugar beets. Studied plant pathogens include viruses, bacteria, and fungi/oomycetes. The department is responsible for basic courses and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, cell biology, plant physiology, plant breeding, and molecular plant-microbe interactions. In addition, the department contributes to additional courses together with other departments.

Uppsala, Sweden's fourth largest city, has two universities and with more than 50,000 students, a vibrant student atmosphere. It is located in the Greater Stockholm area and has excellent connections to Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport.

More information about the department: Department of Plant Biology | External website (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

Uppsala.

Employment Type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with a possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%.

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-05-11.

Union Contacts:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental fields, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific integrity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.