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

A post-doctoral position is available in the Niittylä group at the Umeå Plant Science Center, Sweden to study carbon assimilation in trees using aspen as the model system. The position is part of a Swedish Research Council and NovoNordisk Synergy Projects. The latter is a collaboration between the Niittylä group, the Moritz group at the University of Copenhagen and the Mähönen group at the University of Helsinki.

Trees represent the single most important carbon sink on the planet. An incomplete mechanistic understanding of carbon sequestration limits our ability of predict the capacity of trees to assimilate CO2 and optimise the production of sustainable wood derived materials and fuels. The project will adress this problem by investigating the connection between photosynthesis and downstream metabolic fluxes in leaves using a set of aspen mutants and isotope techniques.

The postdoc will collaborate between the three research groups, and will have the opportunity to pitch additional projects and integrate their own interests.

Your profile

Applicants should have a PhD in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry or plant physiology. Biochemistry skills are important and previous experience on photosynthesis acclimation research in trees and Populus model systems are highly desirable.

English fluency and publication in peer-reviewed high-quality journal(s) is required.

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.

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding and project progress. 

Scope:

100%

Start date:

January 2027 or as agreed.

Application:

The application should include a letter of interest detailing research experience, achievements and publications and curriculum vitae.

Please submit your application before deadline 21 October 2026. 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 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 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.