Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Postdoctoral position (2 years) in plant developmental biology
The Department of Plant Physiology seeks to fill one postdoctoral position who will work in Stephan Wenkel’s research group on a project aimed at modulating flower development. The employment is full-time for two years with access on May 1st 2025 or according to agreement.
Department of Plant Physiology
Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of the strongest research environments for basic plant research in Europe. Research at UPSC covers a wide range of disciplines in plant biology including ecology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se ). The postdoctoral fellowship is going to be placed at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre. Our common goal is to understand plants’ ability to adapt and acclimate to a changing world.
Project description and working tasks
We are announcing an opening for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary project at the forefront of plant biology and bioengineering (for more information please visit: resydeproject.org). This two-year position (with the possibility of a one-year extension) will focus on exploring and engineering the molecular mechanisms underlying plant development, with an emphasis on symmetry-breaking processes in flowers. Symmetry breaking refers to the pivotal biological phenomenon by which initially symmetrical structures develop into complex, specialized forms—an essential process in both plant and animal development. This project leverages advanced sequencing, proteomics, genome editing, and protein engineering tools to uncover how molecular players, such as microProteins, regulate developmental pathways.
Qualifications
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area. Postdoctoral fellows who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education
The doctoral degree should be within in molecular biology or genetics. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with omics data analyses, protein biochemistry and/or plant molecular biology. The ability to independently plan your work and further your insight in the research question as well as cooperate in a team is required. Good oral and written communication skills in the English language and the willingness to travel are also a requirement. The candidates should have extensive laboratory experience with biochemical methods and molecular biology. We value your creativity, ability to communicate and take initiatives.
Application
The application should contain:
A personal letter that describes your qualifications, research interests, and motivation for application (maximum 2 pages).
CV with full publication list
Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate or equivalent and other relevant degree certificates and grades,
Other documents wished to be claimed.
The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system Varbi. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is January 31, 2025.
Further details are provided from Stephan Wenkel, stephan.wenkel@umu.se
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
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