PhD position in plant science with focus on photosynthetic water oxidation

The Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in plant science with focus on photosynthetic water oxidation. The expected starting date is October 1, 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). 

Project description 

Photosynthesis drives life on Earth by converting solar light into chemical energy and providing the molecular oxygen we breathe. This doctoral project focuses on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying photosynthetic water oxidation to O2, with special focus on the role of protein-water-cofactor interactions and substrate water binding and exchange at the catalytic site. This will be studied by employing biophysical techniques, such as time-resolved membrane inlet mass spectrometry, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopies, as well as molecular biology for introducing site specific alterations. Atomic level structural insight will be obtained via single particle analysis cryo-EM and snapshot serial crystallography with x-ray free electron lasers. The project may also include theoretical calculations. The PhD student will work within a friendly and open research team that is part of an extended national and international research network. Access and training to state-of-the-art instrumentation will be provided.

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 expect you to have an academic background in Plant or Structural Biology, Chemistry, (Bio)physics or a related field. You should also have a strong interest in the molecular details of enzyme catalysis and, specifically, photosynthetic water oxidation. Very good skills in English, both written and spoken is a requirement.

Strong merits include documented experience in studying enzyme mechanisms employing biophysical or structural approaches. Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemistry, theoretical chemistry and/or data management is highly advantageous. 

We are looking for a creative and self-driven person who can work independently while also having the personal traits for thriving in and contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research group.

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 on October 1, 2025 or according to agreement.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi on July 31, 2025 at the latest. The application can be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. 

The application should include:

1. A cover letter (1-2 pages) including a description of why you are interested in the position
2. CV
3. Degree certificate and list of completed university courses and grades
4. Copies of degree thesis and/or publications.
5. Contact details to 2-3 reference persons.

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 Johannes Messinger, johannes.messinger@umu.se 

We look forward to your application!