Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC, https://www.upsc.se (https://www.upsc.se)), which is a competence center for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in northern Sweden. UPSC aims to conduct excellent and innovative basic research and create knowledge for the benefit of forestry, agriculture, environment, and society. We study plants from the cellular level up to ecophysiology, as well as from basic research to industrial applications. We seek to understand plants' ability to grow, adapt, and acclimatize to a changing world, knowledge that can lead to better plant varieties, cultivation practices, or industrial processes.

About the job

Plants spend a lot of energy constantly being prepared for all types of stress, such as cold, drought, and other types of attacks. We will investigate whether some of that energy could be used to create more biomass. We have identified a gene regulatory circuit in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana that acts as a switch between stress response and biomass production. We want to optimize this circuit to create plants that grow faster when not under stress and better tolerate stress when stress conditions arise. The project involves studies in Arabidopsis, barley, and wheat. The candidate will use molecular biology methods (transformation, cloning, RT-qPCR, phenotyping, CRISPR-Cas9) to create superior plant lines. The project also includes obtaining mechanistic understanding of how the gene regulatory circuit functions. The project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Your background

The candidate must hold a PhD in molecular biology or another relevant field. Previous experience in plant molecular biology and specifically studies in Arabidopsis, barley, or wheat will be considered an asset. Good knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is required. The candidate must also be able to initiate, plan, and work independently as well as in a team. The position is intended for a junior researcher, and we primarily seek individuals who have obtained their PhD within the last three years.

About us

UPSC consists of two departments belonging to two universities, Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/ (https://www.umu.se/)) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU; https://www.slu.se/ (https://www.slu.se/)). Approximately 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work here. We have about 30 group leaders, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique resources for tree genomics, and plant cultivation facilities. We strive to create a work environment that promotes collaboration and supports our researchers throughout their careers, including through training and individual career guidance.

Read more about our benefits and what it is 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:

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, Umeå.

Employment form:

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

Extent:

100%

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-12-10.

Union contact persons:

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

The 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 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 across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We work for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.