Department of Plant Biology

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, and other forms of stress such as growth and development in plants, biotechnology and metabolic manipulation, regulation of gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis, and the development of breeding systems. We utilize model organisms such as Arabidopsis, Physcomitrella, and tobacco, as well as crops like rapeseed, willow, potatoes, and cereals, and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi/oomycetes.

The department is responsible for basic and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, cell biology, genetic engineering, plant physiology, plant breeding, plant biochemistry, and biotechnology, as well as molecular interactions between plants and plant pests. In addition, the department contributes to additional courses together with other departments. Uppsala, Sweden's fourth largest city, has two universities and a vibrant student atmosphere with more than 50,000 students. It is located in the Greater Stockholm area and has excellent connections to Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport.

More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtbiologi-skogsgenetik/ (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtbiologi-skogsgenetik/)

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/)

The Bright Side of Genome Stability after Whole Genome Duplication

Biology

Content Description:

This PhD project investigates how whole genome duplication (WGD, leading to polyploidy) affects genome stability and adaptation in plants, focusing on early mutagenesis after WGD. The project examines how changes in DNA repair, meiosis, and kinetochore-centromere function contribute to mutation profiles and chromosome behavior in polyploids.

The PhD candidate will perform functional and cytological analyses to study genome stability mechanisms in natural autopolyploid plants, primarily Arabidopsis arenosa and Cochlearia, with functional analyses in Arabidopsis thaliana. The work is part of the Swedish Research Council-funded project Polymotorer: the mutation motors that lead to polyploid success.

Qualifications:

The applicant must have a master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Plant Biology, or a related field and have documented experience in wet laboratory work, familiarity with computational analysis (Python or R and HPC environments), and a strong interest in DNA repair, chromosome biology, meiosis, or genome stability. Experience in DNA repair analyses, cytogenetics, plant functional genetics, transgenics/CRISPR, or advanced microscopy is advantageous.

Location:

Uppsala.

Funding Form:

Employment as a PhD candidate (4 years of education).

Scope:

100%.

Start Date:

Immediately, by agreement.

Application

Welcome with your application via the application button no later than 2026-02-15.

To be eligible for doctoral education, a degree at the advanced level or at least four years of full-time studies, of which 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 university or college, 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 candidates invited for an interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates, or equivalent, and transcripts from previous studies at undergraduate and advanced levels at university or college, and that candidates with foreign citizenship must also submit a certified copy of the page in the passport that contains the 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 activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students, and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 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 rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.