Vacant job

Umeå University is one of Sweden's largest universities with over 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university offers a wide variety of high-quality education and world-leading research within several scientific fields, and it was here that the groundbreaking discovery of the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 was made, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, collaborate, and exchange knowledge, fostering a dynamic and open culture.

The societal transformation and major green investments we see in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, this involves conducting research on – and within – a society in transition. It also involves delivering education for regions that need to expand rapidly and sustainably. Simply put, this is where the future is created.

Are you interested in learning more? Read more about Umeå University as an employer.

The Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of Europe's strongest research centers in experimental plant biology. Here, you have access to the latest instruments and an environment with more than 200 plant researchers. Our research spans from biochemistry and molecular biology to physiology and ecosystem research (www.upsc.se).

Staff Scientist

The Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of Europe's leading research environments for fundamental plant science, including research on plant ecology, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, and physiology (see www.upsc.se). The Department of Physiological Botany, which is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre, is now seeking a Staff Scientist. The position is full-time and fixed-term for 12 months, with a start date of August 21, 2026, or as agreed.

Project Description

This physiological project focuses on the flow of metabolites and resources in poplar. It is still unknown how the plant controls the allocation of resources from photosynthesis. The goal of the project is to understand how the plant regulates the supply of resources to cell wall synthesis. In the long term, we hope that this understanding will provide us with tools to control cell wall synthesis to improve future forest raw materials.

Responsibilities

You will participate in a large research project concerning flux analysis in poplar. The work includes metabolic analysis of poplar samples, metabolic modeling, and gas flow analysis.

Qualifications

A PhD in plant physiology, plant biochemistry, or equivalent is required. Extensive experience in metabolic analysis, metabolic flux analysis (MFA), and chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis is required. The position requires you to be motivated, goal-oriented, and possess strong critical thinking skills. You must also have good collaborative skills with other members of a research team. Very good proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is also required.

Application

Your application should include:

• A cover letter describing yourself, your research interests, and why you are interested in and suitable for the position (max 2 pages).
• Curriculum vitae (CV) and a list of published scientific articles.
• Verified copies of grades and degree certificates.
• Other documents the applicant wishes to submit.

You apply via our e-recruitment system, Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the web page. All attached documents must be in MS Word or PDF format. We welcome your application by August 1, 2026.

Conditions

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 12 months. Start date August 21, 2026, or as agreed.

Contact

For more information, please contact Johannes Hanson ([email protected]).

We look forward to receiving your application!

The Department of Physiological Botany is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre, with approximately 200 employees, including 40 research group leaders, representing 48 different nationalities (for more information, see http://www.upsc.se or http://www.plantphys.umu.se/english/). Our main activities are academic research and education, covering areas such as ecology, biochemistry, plant physiology, and genomics.

Umeå University aims to offer an equal and inclusive environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lays the foundation for learning, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply for this position.

To staffing and recruitment agencies and to sales representatives: We kindly but firmly decline direct contact from staffing and recruitment agencies as well as sales of additional job advertisements.