Vacant job

Department of Plant Biology

About the Job

A postdoctoral position in plant molecular biology is available in Professor Markus Schmid's research group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Schmid laboratory focuses on the regulation of RNA splicing and how this process contributes to temperature acclimatization in plants. The project will utilize a high-throughput screening method developed in the Schmid laboratory (Collani et al., manuscript submitted) to map the protein-protein interaction network of RNA splicing proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana and their connection to other cellular machineries. Furthermore, we will investigate how temperature affects the splicing capacity of plant cells and study the factors that modulate RNA splicing in response to temperature changes. We expect the study to provide valuable insights into the role of RNA splicing in temperature acclimatization and generate new tools to exploit RNA splicing to improve plant resilience to temperature fluctuations. The results from the project will contribute to mitigating plant responses to environmental changes and thereby promote the development of sustainable agriculture.

Your Background

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in molecular biology, molecular genetics, functional genomics, cell biology, or related fields deemed equivalent by the employer. The applicant should have a strong background in plant molecular biology and a competitive merit list with previous scientific publications as first author. You must have extensive experience with established molecular biological methods and plant genetics. Previous experience in analyzing protein-protein interactions is required. Experience in analyzing RNA splicing, genomic methods, or plant temperature response is advantageous. The candidate is expected to be a team player and drive a research project with enthusiasm through initiative, creativity, and independent thinking. Very good ability to communicate in scientific English, both orally and in writing, is required. Since postdoctoral positions are qualifying positions for young researchers, we primarily seek candidates who have obtained their PhD no more than three years ago.

About Us

The Department of Plant Biology (http://www.slu.se/sv/vbsg (http://www.slu.se/sv/vbsg)) offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up the 'Uppsala BioCenter'. At the Department of Plant Biology, basic 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 plant growth and development, biotechnology and metabolic manipulation, regulation of gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis, and the development of breeding systems. We use model organisms such as Arabidopsis, Physcomitrella, and tobacco, as well as crops like rapeseed, willow (Salix), potato, 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 further courses together with other departments.

Uppsala, Sweden's fourth largest city, has two universities and, with more than 50,000 students, a vibrant student atmosphere. It is located in the Greater Stockholm area and has excellent connections to Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport.

More information about the department: 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/)

Location:

Uppsala.

Employment Type:

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

Scope:

100 %.

Start Date:

As agreed.

Application:

Apply via the button below by 2026-06-30.

Union Representatives:

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, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. The main campuses are in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, demonstration parks, and educational centers throughout 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 campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.