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/)), a centre of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in Northern Sweden. Our mission is to conduct excellent and innovative basic research and generate knowledge that benefits forestry, agriculture, the environment, and society. We work across a wide range of disciplines within plant science, ranging from cell biology to ecophysiology and from basic research to industrial applications. Our common goal is to understand plants' ability to grow, adapt, and acclimate to a changing world, and how we can breed better plants.

About the position

Understanding the genomic basis of population variation and local adaptation based on genome sequencing and comparative genomics is a new frontier in research regarding genetic adaptation to climate change. This position involves plant genome assembly, annotation, genome resequencing, and SNP calling, as well as the construction of genetic maps and the design of SNP genotyping tools, including SNP arrays. You will participate in conifer genomics projects, including: (1) Genome assembly and annotation; (2) Genome resequencing and SNP calling; (3) Population and comparative genomics analyses to elucidate conifer adaptive evolution; (4) Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genomic selection for quantitative traits, including phenology, flowering, solid wood properties, growth, and adaptive traits.

Your profile

We are looking for highly motivated and team-oriented candidates with strong experience in bioinformatics, including genome assembly, resequencing data analysis, GWAS, and the design of SNP arrays. To qualify, you should hold a PhD degree in a subject relevant to the position and have experience in tree genomics, preferably in conifers. Good English communication and writing skills are required. A current driver's license is preferred.

About us

UPSC is affiliated with two universities: the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Umeå University. Approximately 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work here. We host around 30 principal investigators, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique tree germplasm resources, and plant growth facilities. We strive for a collaborative work environment and support our scientists at all career stages by providing professional training opportunities and individual career mentoring.

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/)

Location:

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, Umeå (Sweden)

Form of employment:

Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

2026-07-01 or as agreed.

Application:

Please submit your application before the deadline of 18 June 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ (https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/)

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction 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. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala; however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over SEK 4.5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterized by inclusivity and gender equality, where diverse experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity, and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.