Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology WIFORCE Research School Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/en/wiforce), was created. 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. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Integrative genomic analysis linking nitrogen use efficiency and wood properties in forest trees Research subject: Plant Biologi Description: Nitrogen is the main growth limiting nutrient in boreal forests. Fertilization with nitrogen is a powerful way to increase forest productivity but not enticing due to the negative consequences on the surrounding environment. As an alternative, growth can be increased by improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of trees. In addition to targeting growth of trees, it is important to consider the qualitative properties of wood that are likely to be influenced along with the changes in NUE. In this project, the student will investigate NUE in a natural population of aspen (the SwAsp collection). Together with other researchers, an integrative analysis, including automated phenotyping, genome wide association study (GWAS) and transcriptome wide association study (TWAS), is taken in the SwAsp collection to identify genetic variation in NUE and candidate genes that are functionally validated in transgenic trees. To investigate how variation in NUE influences properties of wood, the student will also perform high-resolution analyses of wood chemical, structural and mechanical properties of wood. The PhD project is expected to result in identification of genetic markers and tree breeding strategies for improved NUE.  In the long run, we wish to promote short-rotation cultivation of deciduous trees in agricultural practices. Qualifications: The applicant should have a Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology,  engineering or equivalent. Excellent spoken and written English skills, previous experience in molecular biology and plants as an experimental system, and knowledge of statistics in, for example, the programming language R are required. It is important that the applicant has the ability to collaborate and function well in a strong research environment, an interest in learning new things, and a willingness to individually develop the project in collaboration with the research group, as well as high motivation to pursue doctoral studies. Previous experience with plant nitrogen physiology, trees as a model system, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics are valuable merits. Place of work:       Umeå Forms for funding or employment: Employment (4 years) Starting date: According to agreement, but latest 1 June 2026. Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2026-02-10. To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level. Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details. Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/ Academic 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.