Arbetsbeskrivning

Department of Plant Biology The Department of Plant Biology offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of four departments that together form the Uppsala BioCenter. At the Department of Plant Biology, fundamental and strategic plant biology research is conducted on agricultural crops, forest trees, bioenergy crops, and model organisms. Our main research areas include interactions between plants and microorganisms, and other forms of stress such as plant growth and development, biotechnology and metabolic manipulation, regulation of gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis, and the development of breeding systems. We use model organisms such as Arabidopsis, Physcomitrella, and tobacco, as well as crops such as oilseed rape, Salix, potato, and cereals, and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi/oomycetes. The department is responsible for undergraduate and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, cell biology, genetic engineering, plant physiology, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology and molecular interactions between plants and plant pests. The department also contributes to other courses together with other departments. Uppsala has two universities and with more than 50,000 students, a vibrant student atmosphere. It is located near Stockholm and has excellent connections to Stockholm–Arlanda International Airport. More information about the department/division: https://www.slu.se/institutioner/vaxtbiologi-skogsgenetik/ Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU: https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ The bright side of genome instability after whole-genome duplication Biology Project description This PhD project investigates how whole-genome duplication (WGD, leading to polyploidy) affects genome stability and adaptation in plants, with a focus on early mutagenesis following WGD. The project examines how changes in DNA repair, meiosis, and kinetochore–centromere function contribute to mutation profiles and chromosome behavior in polyploids. The doctoral student will carry out functional and cytological analyses to study genome stability mechanisms in natural autopolyploid plants, primarily Arabidopsis arenosa and Cochlearia, with functional assays in Arabidopsis thaliana. The work forms part of the Swedish Research Council–funded project Polyengines: the mutational engines of polyploid success. Qualifications Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, plant biology, or a related field, and have documented wet-lab experience, familiarity with computational analysis (Python or R and HPC environments), and a strong interest in DNA repair, chromosome biology, meiosis, or genome stability. Experience in DNA repair assays, cytogenetics, plant functional genetics, transgenics/CRISPR, or advanced microscopy is a strong merit. Location: Uppsala Form of employment: Employment as a doctoral student (4 years of education) Start date: As soon as possible, according to agreement Application You are welcome to submit your application via the application button no later than 2026-02-15. To be eligible for doctoral studies, a completed advanced-level degree or at least four years of full-time studies, of which at least one year must be at the advanced level, is required. Selection among eligible applicants is based on: written application including CV; Master’s thesis; copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous undergraduate and advanced-level studies at a university or higher education institution; two personal references; and proficiency in English. More information on English language requirements can be found at: https://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/att-bli-doktorand/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit certified copies of degree certificates (or equivalent) and transcripts from previous undergraduate and advanced-level studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are foreign citizens must also submit a certified copy of the passport page containing their photo and personal details. Read more about doctoral education at SLU: www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/ Trade union contacts: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ SLU has approximately 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover exceeding SEK 4.5 billion. The university invests in attractive campus environments. We work to promote an equal and inclusive working environment where open dialogue among people with different experiences forms the basis for scientific excellence, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position. Contact person Levi Yant Professor [email protected] 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.