PhD position in plant science with a focus on plant complex trait genetics

The Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå Plant Science Centre, Umeå University, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in plant science. The expected starting date is around summer 2026 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 March 10, 2026.

Project description

In this project, the research group focuses on investigating the genetic basis of plants’ plastic response to drought and heat stresses, specifically understanding the genetic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic or post- transcriptomic mechanisms of plant plastic response to stress using wild Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes as a model. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a cutting-edge research program that aims to understand the genetic principles of complex trait plasticity and develop climate-resilient plants using innovative techniques such as omics data interpretation, gene editing, and computational modelling. Depending on the interests of the successful candidate, different research directions, from quantitative genetics to molecular biology and computational modelling, are available for exploration. Our PhD program offers excellent training and career development opportunities in a stimulating and collaborative research environment.

Eligibility

To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced level (second cycle), or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at advanced level, or has otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within Sweden or abroad. The faculty board may, in the case of a specific applicant, consent to an exemption from the general entry requirements if there are special reasons to do so.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted to doctoral studies at in Plant Science, the successful candidate must have completed 90 ECTS in Biology or other subjects relevant to the research area, such as Chemistry, Physics, or Computer Science. Of these, at least 15 ECTS have to be in a subject directly relevant to the research topic and at least 15 ECTS from an individual project course. Good knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is also required.  

The requirements for prior knowledge as described above are also considered to be met by those who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. 

Qualifications

For this position, we are looking for a highly motivated and talented person who is interested in quantitative genetics and plant biology. We expect the candidate to have an academic background in plant genetics and genomics, ecology, plant biology, agronomy, bioinformatics, biotechnology or a related field. The following achievements, skills and/or knowledge are considered particularly relevant:

• Experience in standard bioinformatic analysis related to genomic and genetics, e.g. experience with any of the following tasks using R/Python/bash scripting, such as genome assembly, SNP calling from re-sequencing data or RNA-seq data, and visualisation of high dimension dataset.
• Solid understanding of genetic principles (e.g., transcription, translation, post-translational regulation) and molecular biology techniques (e.g., growth of any model species, DNA/RNA extraction, and vector construction)
• Knowledge of quantitative genetics and breeding.

We do not expect the selected candidate to be proficient in all these from the beginning, but they should be eager to learn the required techniques.

On a personal level, we are looking for a good team player who can also work independently when required. Other personal skills we would like our colleague to have are:

• Ability to work in an organized and structured manner.
• Reliable.
• Ability to act proactively and take responsibility for your project.
• Independent and Self-motivated.

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 if part-time teaching is included. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi on March 10, 2026 at the latest. The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish and should include:

1. A brief research statement (1 page) discussing your research interests (for example, when did you become interested in the field, what knowledge have you gained so far, what research questions in the field you find more interesting, why you are interested in pursuing a PhD).
2. CV.
3. Copy of degree certificate including documentation of completed university courses and grades
4. Copy of degree thesis and publications if available

Contact

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Yanjun Zan (yanjun.zan@umu.se).

Documents should be sent electronically, in MS Word or PDF format, through the recruitment system. 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. 

The Department of Plant Physiology values the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position.

We look forward to your application!