Vacant job

Department of Plant Biology

About the Job

The purpose of this postdoctoral position is to investigate how beneficial bacteria of the genus Sphingomonas achieve high abundance and interact with plants, based on research published in Lundberg et al. 2022 in PNAS: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36538480/ (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36538480/). The project will focus on the characterization of bacterial sphingolipids, microbial sphingolipid signaling with plants, and genomics. The researcher will work within Derek Lundberg's research group (http://www.LundbergLand.org (http://www.LundbergLand.org)).

Your Background

We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a similar subject deemed equivalent by the employer, along with at least two years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Good knowledge of general molecular biology techniques is required. Experience working with and culturing bacteria of the genus Sphingomonas or other Alphaproteobacteria is required. Bioinformatics experience working with high-throughput sequencing data (both long and short reads) as well as mass spectrometry data is required. Experience in preparing RNA sequencing libraries is meritorious. Experience in extracting and purifying bacterial lipids is meritorious.

Personal qualities such as creativity, motivation, and drive are meritorious. The ability to perform independent scientific work, work in research groups, and write and speak clearly in English is expected, as English is the communication language in the research group and at the department.

About Us

The Department of Plant Biology conducts basic and strategic plant biological research 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 related to 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 such as rapeseed, willow (Salix), potato, and cereals, and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi/oomycetes.

The division is responsible for basic and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cell biology, plant physiology, gene expression, plant breeding, plant biochemistry, and biotechnology, as well as molecular interactions between plants and plant pests. Additionally, the department contributes to further courses in collaboration with other departments.

More information about the department: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtbiologi/ (https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtbiologi/)

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:

Permanent position. SLU may apply a probationary period.

Scope:

100%

Start Date:

As agreed.

Application:

We welcome your application via the button below by 2026-07-20.

Applications must include:

• A cover letter.
• Your CV including a complete publication list.
• A short (1 page) description of your research experience.
• A scanned copy of your PhD diploma in English, Swedish, or an official translation to English or Swedish.
• Contact details for at least two references and their relationship to you.

Union Representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable living, founded 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, 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 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.