Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

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.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

A research engineer position is available at the Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre (www.upsc.se); a highly stimulating research environment at Umeå University. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to work with proof-of-concept activities in close collaboration with SweTree Technologies AB. 

Description of project

Large amounts of crop and forest production are lost every year to unfavourable weather conditions, and climate change will increase the volatility of weather patterns and this yield wastage. To develop plants that maintain yield under adverse conditions we need a mechanistic understanding of plant stress tolerance. We propose that plant stress responses are mediated by a central regulatory hub, the multiprotein Mediator. Mediator integrates different stress signals to control the expression of genes required for stress acclimation through direct interaction with transcription factors and cis-elements and/or through chromatin remodelling. Within the project “Decoding Signalling Networks Controlling Plant Stress Responses” we have identified a number of key regulators with the potential to enhance crop and tree productivity. The research engineer will generate lines where the activities of those components have neem modified and the performance of these plant lines will be explored under stress conditions to determine the functional importance of these regulators. The proof-of-concept activities will be run in close collaboration with SweTree Technologies AB.

Work tasks

The project includes many different molecular methods including both RNA and DNA, generation of CRISPR Cas9 mutants, plant growth in green house and in vitro, analysis of large data sets such as RNAseq, physiological characterization of plant lines.

Qualifications

You will need to have a PhD degree in molecular biology or biotechnology or equivalent. Experience with generation of mutants, plant growth and phenotypic characterization of plant lines is a requirement. The candidate should have extensive laboratory experience with molecular and biotechnical methods. Experience of analysis of large data sets such as RNAseq is also desirable. An ability to work independently as well as in a team, and good oral and written communication skills in the English language, are essential. Furthermore, qualities such as creativity, ability to take initiative and collaborative skills are valued.

Terms of employment 

The employment is full-time and is limited to 14 months. Starting 2021-07-01 or according to agreement.

Application

The application should contain (1) a cover letter (2) CV with full publication list and copies of the relevant degree certificates (3) a description of your research experiences (4) a description of your scientific interests.

Last application date is 2021-05-17. You apply via our e-recruitment system. Apply by pressing the button at the bottom of the page.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Åsa Strand: asa.strand@umu.se or telephone number 090-786 93 14.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2021-07-01 or according to agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-541-21
Contact
  • Åsa Strand, 090-786 93 14
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 09.Apr.2021
Last application date 17.May.2021 11:59 PM CEST

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