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 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, as well as from basic research to industrial applications. We strive to understand plants' ability to grow, adapt, and acclimate 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 investigate the role of cytokinins in the regulation of adventitious root formation.

About the job

The research will focus on investigating the role of the plant hormone cytokinin in the regulation of adventitious root development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Linked transcriptional and hormonal networks control the initiation of adventitious roots, but the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms governing these networks have long been unclear. Several transcription factors of the Arabidopsis Response Regulator (ARR) type, involved in the cytokinin signaling pathway, have been identified and shown to control the initiation of adventitious root formation. The goal is to study the role of these transcription factors in the inhibition of adventitious root formation.

As a researcher, you will perform ChIP-qPCR experiments to identify and confirm downstream targets of the ARR transcription factors. You will clone the coding sequences into an expression vector, purify the ARR proteins, and perform EMSA experiments to confirm interaction with the target promoters. You will characterize mutants affecting the expression of downstream targets to identify which parts of the cytokinin signaling pathway control the formation of adventitious roots.

Your background

A PhD in molecular biology, plant biology, plant genetics, or equivalent is required. Experience working with plant hormones, particularly cytokinin signaling and the genes encoding Arabidopsis Response Regulators (ARRs), is mandatory. For employment, you must have practical experience in vegetative propagation of plants and have characterized Arabidopsis mutants altered in adventitious root development. You must also be able to genotype, amplify, and phenotype them. Additional requirements include experience in cloning genes into expression systems, purifying corresponding proteins, and performing protein-DNA and protein-protein interaction analyses. Furthermore, you must have prior practical experience with EMSA, ChIP-seq, or ChIP-qPCR experiments.

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 analytical platforms and unique resources, such as 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 5 months.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

As agreed.

Application:

Apply 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 carried out at research stations, trial parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral candidates, 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.