Vacant job

Doctoral Programme Subject: Biology

Description of the PhD Project:

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre, invites applications for a PhD position in plant development within the Meristem Hydraulics Group.

Responsibilities:

This PhD project investigates the plasticity of vascular cambium during secondary growth, focusing on plant responses to fluctuating water availability. It examines how water status affects cambial activity in hybrid aspen and Arabidopsis thaliana. The student will combine developmental biology and physiology using imaging, image analysis, lineage tracing, and water stress experiments. The work includes studies of greenhouse trees and Arabidopsis experiments in climate-controlled chambers, aiming to achieve an integrated understanding of cambial developmental plasticity.

Eligibility:

To be admitted to the doctoral programme, you must meet both general and specific eligibility requirements (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, § 35).

General eligibility is held by those who have completed a master's degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits at an advanced level, or who have otherwise acquired substantially equivalent knowledge within or outside the country (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, § 39).

Specific eligibility for admission to the doctoral programme in Biology requires at least 90 credits in biology-related subjects, of which at least 30 at an advanced level.

Additionally, knowledge of English equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from Swedish upper secondary school is required.

Your Background:

Requirements: Background in tree development and wood formation; experience with greenhouses; knowledge of microscopy and histology; good English skills, both spoken and written.

Merits: Experience in tree physiology and phenotypic data integration. It is also desirable that the candidate has strong communication skills and works well in a team.

About Us:

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/)), a competence centre for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in northern Sweden. UPSC aims to conduct excellent and innovative basic research and create knowledge beneficial to forestry, agriculture, the environment, and society. We study plants from the cellular level up to eco-physiology, 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/)

Read more about SLU's doctoral education at http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ (http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/)

Employment Type and Salary:

Employment as a PhD student (4-year education)

The salary for the PhD position follows the local collective agreement with fixed salary steps.

Extent:

100%

Location:

Umeå

Start Date:

According to agreement

Application and Selection:

Welcome to apply via the application button below no later than 2026-04-22.

The application must include the following attachments (in PDF format):

• A personal letter describing the background of your interest in the sought position, as well as your research interests and skills related to the position.
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous studies at a university or college
• One copy of an advanced-level thesis with a scope corresponding to at least 15 higher education credits, or other relevant independent work of equivalent difficulty and scope.
• Documents proving knowledge of English B/6 or equivalent. Note that this is not required for those who have a passing Swedish upper secondary school grade or a Master's degree from a Swedish institution.
• Contact details for two references, such as teachers, supervisors, or previous employers.
• Before a decision on admission to doctoral education, applicants with foreign citizenship must present a notarized copy of their passport. The notarized copy must be brought to the interview and shown during the interview.
• Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments mentioned above and shall be made with regard to the ability to complete the education within the set time.

Union Contact Persons

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