PhD position in plant science with a focus on cell adhesion

The Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in plant science. The expected starting date is fall 2025 or according to agreement.

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, computational biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se). A PhD student position is open at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre. Application deadline is June 26, 2025.

Project description 

This doctoral project focuses on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying plant cell-cell adhesion. Cell-cell adhesion is a fundamental feature of multicellular organisms, but much remains to be discovered about how it works in plants. Our group has developed several tools allowing genetics, microscopic, micromechanical and computational dissection of this process (https://www.upsc.se/researchers/6177-verger-stephane-mechanics-and-dynamics-of-cell-to-cell-adhesion-in-plants.html). 

The project builds on ongoing work in the group investigating the role of growth derived tension pulling cells apart and the involvement of phytohormones in regulating both growth and cell adhesiveness. We have preliminary data showing the involvement of the phytohormones auxin and brassinosteroids in adhesion. This project will involve studying questions such as how these phytohormones integrate chemical and mechanical signals derived from the cell wall to influence cell wall chemistry and tissue-scale mechanics in a feedback mechanism for the maintenance of adhesion during fast growth.

As a PhD in this project, you are offered an exceptional opportunity to be an active member of a multidisciplinary research group at the interface of plant biology, biophysics, and computational biology. You will work closely with an experienced team and collaborate with experts in molecular biology, hormonal signaling, microscopy, biomechanics, image processing and computational simulation.

Join us in uncovering how complex organisms maintain their multicellularity during growth and development.

Eligibility

To fulfil the general entry requirements for studies at third-cycle level, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at second-cycle level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level. 

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in Plant Science at Umeå Plant Science Centre, the successful candidate must have completed 90 ECTS relevant to the doctoral thesis project. Out of this, at least 30 ECTS have to be in a subject closely related to the research topic of the graduate program. Applicants who have acquired equivalent skills in some other educational system in Sweden or abroad are also eligible.

Qualifications

For this employment we are looking for a person with a strong interest for plant biology, microscopy, biomechanics and computational approaches. A relevant background is a degree in plant biology and/or related fields.

Other requirements are:

• Solid background in cell and molecular biology.
• Experience in standard molecular biological and/or cell biology techniques.
• Experience in microscopy including confocal microscopy.
• Very good written and oral English language skills.

Meritorious is: 

• Skills in computational biology, image processing, biological modelling and biostatistics.
• Experience working with (or knowledge in) plant cell walls, phytohormones signalling, mechanobiology, plant growth and development.
• Experience working with Arabidopsis thaliana (in vitro growth, greenhouse, crossing, etc.).

We do not expect the selected candidate to be proficient in all these from the beginning, but they should demonstrate ability and eagerness to learn the required techniques as well as interest in the meritorious skills and experiences.

On a personal level, we are looking for a good team player who can also work on their own when required. We would like you to:

• Be able to organize and structure your work.
• Deliver results according to agreements made.
• Be proactive and take own initiative.

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which include participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position. The employment will start during fall 2025 or upon agreement.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi on June 26, 2025 at the latest. The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. 

The application should include:

1. Letter of intent where you describe how your background is relevant for the project and why you are interested in the position (two pages maximum).
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Degree certificate and list of completed university courses and the grades
4. Copies of the master’s thesis, potential publications and other documents supporting the competence and suitability for the position

Documents should be sent electronically, in MS Word or PDF format, through the recruitment system Varbi. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed. 

Contact

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Stéphane Verger (stephane.verger@umu.se)

We look forward to your application!