Vacant job

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 beneficial for forestry, agriculture, the environment, and society. We study plants from the cellular level up to ecophysiology, as well as 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.

About the job

The research group Wood Cell Wall Architecture at Umeå Plant Science Center is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to identify and characterize new cellular components that regulate and coordinate the development of secondary cell walls in growing trees. The project focuses on partially redundant and still poorly understood gene families involved in wood formation. More specifically, the selected candidate will conduct a multi-target gene editing screen in Populus to break redundancy and identify phenotypes associated with secondary cell walls. This will be followed by mechanistic characterization of candidate genes through in situ microscopy/microspectroscopy, cell wall biochemistry, and proximity labeling-based proteomics.

In addition to this core framework, I will provide space and support for the selected candidate to develop their own research ideas based on new data or lines from a similar screen previously conducted in Arabidopsis. As this is a newly established research group, the selected candidate will need to contribute to the establishment of routines but will in return have a significant influence on the direction of the research group.

Your background

We are looking for someone with a collaborative attitude, strong intrinsic motivation, and a drive for scientific independence. A PhD in biological or biochemical sciences and excellent spoken and written English skills are required for the position. To support the career development of junior researchers, applicants who have obtained their PhD within the last three years will be prioritized.

The practical design of the project can be somewhat adapted to the selected candidate's interests and strengths. Experience in any of the following areas is advantageous, but not required:

• Reproducible data analysis in R/Python/Julia
• Cell wall biochemistry
• In vitro plant cultivation
• In situ microscopy and microspectroscopy
• Gene editing
• Protein biochemistry/proteomics

About us

UPSC consists of two institutions 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 type:

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

Scope:

100%

Start date:

2026-04-01 or by agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2026-02-27.

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 parks, and educational sites throughout the country.

SLU has over 4000 employees, 6000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 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 people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.