Post doc Position

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology was founded in the late 1970s - when the College of Forestry moved to Umeå. The number of employees has since grown steadily is now around 100, including postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students. In the late 1990s it was decided to join with the Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University to form a research center, Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology moved into the premises adjacent to the partner department and together have developed a close and successful collaboration on research issues, technology platforms, and training of master's and doctoral level students. The international element within UPSC is large, with over 40 nationalities represented.

The department conducts introductory and advanced training in plant physiology, ecophysiology, plant molecular biology, forest genetics and forest biotechnology within the Forestry program and at the master level.

The department offers postgraduate studies in biology, specializing in plant physiology, ecophysiology, plant molecular biology and forest genetics. Postgraduate courses are generally held in cooperation with the Department of Plant Physiology.
For more information about the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology and UPSC visit www.upsc.se.

Duties:
Nitrogen is the main element limiting tree growth in the boreal forests. Nitrogen metabolism provides building blocks for plant growth but can influence growth also through various signaling pathways. The effect of nitrogen is well established on the extent of wood formation but the underlying mechanisms as well the effects on the chemical and physical properties of the wood remain poorly understood. The main purpose of this project is to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen function in wood formation of Populus trees and to identify Populus genotypes with improved nitrogen use efficiency in relation to secondary growth of the stem and biomass production. Genome wide association studies (GWAS), tracer studies, functional studies in transgenic trees, and field trials are some of techniques utilized in the project. We have access to advanced tree phenotyping platform, single cell technologies incl. RNAseq in xylem cells and all service platforms at UPSC (www.upsc.se) and KBC (www.umu.se/kbc).

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated plant biologist with experimental skills and strong interest in understanding mechanisms of nitrogen controlled xylem differentiation and wood formation. Successful applicants are expected to have a PhD and strong experience in cell and molecular biology.  Excellent communication skills in both oral and written English are expected. Previous experience in research on nitrogen metabolism, GWAS, RNAseq and the analysis of wood chemical and physical properties is a merit.

The position is primarily aimed at junior researchers with a doctoral degree which is not older than three years. The diploma has to be written or translated into English or Swedish to be confirmed.

Please send you application, including a personal letter, CV, diploma, and contact information of three references.

Place of work:
Umeå

Form of employment:
Temporary employment, 24 months

Extent:
100%

Starting date:
2022-09-01

Application:
We welcome your application no later than 2022-04-24, use the button below.

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/



The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se