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Research 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 obtained an advanced degree, completed 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 in Sweden or abroad (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, you must have English proficiency equivalent to a passing grade in English B/6 from a Swedish upper secondary school.

Your Background:

Required: Background in tree development and wood formation; experience with greenhouses; knowledge of microscopy and histology; good command of English, 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/), a competence centre for experimental plant research and forestry 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 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/

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

Employment Type and Salary:

PhD position (4-year education)

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

Extent:

100%

Location:

Umeå

Start Date:

By 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 cover letter describing your background, interest in the position, and research interests and skills relevant to the role.
• 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 of at least 15 higher education credits, or another relevant independent work of equivalent difficulty and scope.
• Documentation proving English proficiency equivalent to English B/6 or equivalent. Note that this is not required for those with a passing Swedish upper secondary school grade or a Master's degree from a Swedish institution.
• Contact details for two references, e.g., teachers, supervisors, or former managers.
• Before a decision on admission to doctoral education, applicants with foreign citizenship must present a certified copy of their passport. The certified copy must be brought to the interview and shown during the interview.
• Selection among eligible applicants is based on the attachments mentioned above and must consider the ability to complete the education within the specified time.

Union Contact Persons

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