Postdoctoral Researcher in plant physiology

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) which is a centre of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in Northern Sweden. Our mission is to perform excellent and innovative basic research and generate knowledge that benefits forestry, agriculture, environment and society. We work across a wide range of disciplines in plant science reaching from cell biology to ecophysiology and from basic research to industrial applications. Our common goal is to understand the plants’ ability to grow, adapt and acclimate to a changing world and how we can breed better plants.
About the position
The plant roots are a highly powerful and dynamic part of the plant body that builds its underground architecture to access water, provide stability, and acquire nutrients. Nitrogen, a vital macronutrient crucial for plant growth, has historically been studied mainly in its inorganic form. However, recent advancements in soil-analysis techniques revealed the abundance of organic nitrogen in the soil and its efficient uptake by plants has also been reported. Once nitrogen is absorbed by the plants, it is assimilated following several metabolic routes. It thus affects critical processes such as protein synthesis, photosynthesis as well as aspects of plant physiology, including growth, development, and stress resilience. Optimization of organic nitrogen supply and relevant assimilation pathways can enhance crop productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems, as well as improve the resilience of natural plant populations to environmental challenges.

The proposed project will use a systems biology approach to study the effects of nitrogen assimilation in plant root growth and stress resilience in response to the amino acid arginine, as organic nitrogen supply. We will work with the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and with corn. Root phenotypic characteristics will be analyzed while dissecting arginine metabolic pathways using relevant mutants, overexpressors and chemical inhibitors. Plant phenotypes and respective metabolites will be also assessed in response to drought stress and to pathogen attack. You will work with in vitro cultures, molecular approaches and high-resolution confocal imaging as well as with bioanalytical approaches, such as mass spectrometry for amino acid and hormone profiling.

Your profile
A PhD in plant physiology and/or plant molecular biology. The applicant should be well acquainted with fluorescence and light microscopy as well as in vitro culture techniques. Experience with Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism is strongly preferred, but additional experience with other plant model systems or commercially relevant species is also desirable. Good knowledge of plant development (especially root development), chemical and molecular biology, mass-spectrometry and fluorescence activated cell sorting are seen as positive assets. A requirement is that you have good communication skills in English in both speech and writing.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us
UPSC belongs to two universities, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Umeå University. About 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work here. We host some 30 principal investigators, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique tree germplasm resources and plant growth facilities. We strive for a collaborative work environment and support our scientists throughout all career stages by providing professional training opportunities and individual career mentoring.

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:
Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, Umeå (Sweden) 

Form of employment:
Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:
100%

Start date:
24-08-01 or as agreed.

Application:
Please submit your application before deadline 13 May 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

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

 


The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction 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. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.