Vacant job

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of 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 generate knowledge beneficial for 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.

We are now looking for a researcher to map the structure of the CSN protein complex in Arabidopsis.

About the job

The project focuses on studying the role of the CSN5A and CSN5B subunits of the COP9 signalosome (CSN complex) in controlling the development of adventitious roots. CSN is an evolutionarily conserved multiprotein complex that regulates protein degradation. The complex consists of eight subunits, CSN1-CSN8. The CSN5 subunit exhibits catalytic activity, specifically the deneddylation of CULLIN subunits. Some plant species have duplicated the CSN5- (CSN5A; CSN5B) and CSN6- (CSN6A; CSN6B) subunits, leading to the existence of four different types of multiprotein complexes. The project's goal is to analyze the structure of these different complexes, which should contribute to understanding their respective functions. The different complexes will be purified from yeast expressing tagged versions of the subunits or from Arabidopsis double mutants where only one of the four complexes is present. Structural analysis will be carried out in collaboration with the CryoEM facility.

As a researcher, you will work on purifying the various CSN complexes from yeast and double mutants and analyzing their structure using cryo-electron microscopy techniques. You will also analyze interactions with CUL proteins at the structural level.

In addition, the phenotype of the multiple mutants will be characterized and analyzed in relation to the structures of the CSN complexes.

Your background

A PhD in microbiology, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, or equivalent is required. Skills in vegetative propagation and experience in characterizing Arabidopsis mutants altered in adventitious root development are required, as well as the ability to genotype, amplify, and phenotype them. Further requirements include experience in gene sequence analysis. Specifically, experience is required in cloning genes in various expression systems (yeast, bacterial, and/or insect cells), protein purification, and crystallization of both individual subunits and whole complexes in vitro.

You must have a good understanding of large protein complexes such as CSN and master techniques for purification from plants. The goal is to analyze the structure of a large protein complex and link it to its function. Therefore, the candidate must also be trained in preparing samples for structural characterization of protein complexes using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

About us

UPSC consists of two departments belonging to two universities, Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/ (https://www.umu.se/)) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU; https://www.slu.se/ (https://www.slu.se/)). Approximately 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work here. We have about 30 group leaders, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analysis platforms and unique resources, for example, for tree genomics and plant cultivation facilities. We strive to create a work environment that promotes collaboration and supports our researchers throughout their careers, including through education and individual career guidance.

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:

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, Umeå.

Employment type:

Fixed-term employment for 6 months.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed.

Application:

Please submit your application via the button below by 2026-07-16.

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 life, based on 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, test parks, and educational sites 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 work 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.