Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

WIFORCE Graduate School

Do you want to research for the sustainable use and conservation of forests for the future? Apply to the WIFORCE Graduate School!

Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate action are today central societal issues that require more knowledge. To sustainably manage and secure the biological diversity of forests, a coherent fundamental research program is needed that addresses large and complex questions and develops new analytical tools. Therefore, the WIFORCE Graduate School, within the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/wiforce (http://www.slu.se/wiforce)), has been established.

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, the environment, and society. We study plants from cellular level up to ecophysiology, and from basic research to industrial applications. We strive 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.

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/)

Adaptation of Transcription During a Tree's Life Cycle

Research Subject: Biology

Content Description:
Our way of life is facing a challenge as we transition from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to renewable alternatives. We must reduce our environmental impact while maintaining the efficiency of our industry. A particularly difficult transition is faced by our forestry, which must also deal with more extreme weather due to climate change. We lose large amounts of biomass annually due to cold, drought, or excessive salinity in the soil. Furthermore, climate change will cause these situations to occur with increased frequency in the future. The Swedish forest accounts for a significant part of our prosperity. Despite the importance of trees to Swedish society, we know little about how trees use their DNA manual to tackle stress situations and the ongoing global warming.

Our research will use spruce and pine to investigate how these trees change and adapt their RNA synthesis (transcription) during their life cycle. Much of our understanding of how plants develop and adapt to their environment comes from annual plants. To study this in perennial plants, such as trees, we will utilize a range of modern sequencing methods to examine how transcription is initiated and terminated over several years in growing spruces and pines exposed to various stress factors. The project includes both laboratory work and bioinformatics analysis. Through our research, we will enhance our understanding of how trees adapt to new conditions and how climate change can influence tree growth and stress tolerance.

Qualifications:

The applicant must meet SLU's eligibility requirements for admission to doctoral education. A suitable educational background is a university degree or at least four years of full-time studies, including at least one year at an advanced level in a relevant field, e.g., molecular biology/biochemistry or equivalent. Experience with molecular biological and bioinformatics methods is advantageous, as well as practical experience in laboratory and bioinformatics work within the molecular biological field. A very good command of spoken and written English is important. The applicant will work in a research group of 6-7 people and is expected to work both independently and collaboratively in a good and engaging manner. Communication and collaboration are important among group members; therefore, we seek individuals who are outgoing, proactive, passionate about research, and curious about biological problems. In this recruitment, we will primarily consider those who, after a qualitative overall assessment, are deemed to have the best conditions to undergo doctoral education.

Location:

Umeå

Funding Form:

Employment as a PhD student, 4 years of education

Start Date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome to submit your application via the application button no later than 2026-02-10.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a degree at the advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, including at least one year at the advanced level, is required.

Selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including CV; thesis, copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at universities or colleges, two personal references, English language skills. More information about the requirements for English language skills can be found on the following page:https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/)

Please note that those applicants who are called for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at universities or colleges, and that applicants with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in their passport that contains a photo and personal information.

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/ (https://www.slu.se/utbildning/studera/forskarutbildning/)

Union Contact Persons:

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 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 operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of more than 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for an 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.