Umeå University has announced two funded PhD positions in Plant Science within the internationally recognised Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). These doctoral opportunities are designed for talented researchers interested in advanced plant biology, molecular genetics, genomics, biotechnology, and computational approaches. The available PhD projects explore two cutting-edge areas:

1. Functional genomics of conifers, investigating how transposable elements influence gene regulation and adaptation in spruce and pine.
2. Plant cell wall dynamics, studying how plants sense mechanical and chemical changes in their cell walls and translate these signals into growth and stress responses.
3. Both positions provide access to world-class research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaborations, and advanced technologies in plant science.

These doctoral opportunities are ideal for researchers interested in building expertise in modern plant science. Benefits include:

• Fully funded PhD employment
• Access to advanced plant research facilities
• International research environment
• Training in genomics, microscopy, and molecular biology
• Opportunities for scientific publications
• Interdisciplinary collaboration at a leading European plant science centre

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About Umeå University and UPSC

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions, with more than 41,500 students and approximately 4,600 employees. The university is internationally recognised for research excellence, including major contributions to biotechnology and molecular biology. It was also the research environment where the foundational discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool was made, later recognised with the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. UPSC is one of Europe’s leading research environments for plant biology, bringing together approximately 200 researchers working across:

• Molecular biology
• Plant genetics
• Genomics
• Physiology
• Bioinformatics
• Ecology
• Cell biology
• Biochemistry

The centre provides access to advanced facilities for:

• Plant transformation
• DNA and RNA sequencing
• Computational analysis
• Advanced microscopy
• Functional validation platforms

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PhD Position 1: Plant Science – Functional Genomics of Conifers

Research Project: Con-TEki

The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University is offering a PhD position within the Con-TEki project, which investigates the role of transposable elements (TEs) as drivers of regulatory innovation in conifer species. The research focuses on: Norway spruce & Scots pine. Conifer genomes are among the largest and most transposable-element-rich plant genomes. However, the biological consequences of TE insertions and their effects on gene regulation remain poorly understood. This doctoral project aims to uncover how TE-derived regulatory elements influence:

• Gene expression variation
• Evolutionary adaptation
• Regulatory network changes in conifers

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Research Activities

The PhD student will combine computational genomics with experimental molecular biology. Main tasks include:

• Developing functional validation methods for regulatory elements
• Performing molecular biology experiments
• Conducting nucleic acid extraction
• Preparing sequencing libraries
• Analysing genome-wide datasets
• Integrating experimental results with computational approaches
• Developing reproducible research workflows
• Presenting research findings at conferences
• Publishing scientific articles

The project provides specialised training at the intersection of:

• Functional genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Plant molecular biology
• Experimental biotechnology

Candidates with experience in reporter assays, transient expression systems, or genome editing approaches are particularly encouraged.

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Eligibility Requirements – PhD Position in Conifer Genomics

Applicants must meet general doctoral admission requirements, including:

• A completed advanced-level degree (second cycle), or
• At least 240 ECTS credits including 60 ECTS at advanced level, or
• Equivalent qualifications obtained internationally

Specific requirements include:

• At least 90 ECTS in Biology or related subjects such as:
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Bioinformatics

Additionally:

• Minimum 15 ECTS in a subject directly related to the research area
• Minimum 15 ECTS from an individual project course
• Strong written and spoken English skills

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Preferred Qualifications – Conifer Functional Genomics

Applicants with experience in:

• High-throughput sequencing
• RNA-seq
• ATAC-seq
• Plant research
• Bioinformatics
• Programming or data analysis
• Experimental method optimisation

will be viewed favourably.

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PhD Position 2: Plant Science – Plant Cell Wall Dynamics

Research Project Overview

The second PhD position is hosted by the Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Lab led by Laura Bacete. This project investigates how plants detect physical and chemical changes in their cell walls and convert these signals into biological responses. The research will focus on:

• Cell growth regulation
• Plant differentiation
• Stress responses
• Cell wall integrity signalling

The doctoral researcher will use advanced approaches including:

• Brillouin microscopy
• Live-cell biosensors
• Optogenetic tools
• Targeted genetic approaches

The model organism used in the project is Arabidopsis thaliana.

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Research Activities – Plant Cell Wall Biology

The PhD student will investigate mechanochemical properties of plant cells and connect these measurements with molecular signalling pathways. Activities include:

• Advanced microscopy experiments
• Plant molecular biology techniques
• Genetic approaches
• Live-cell imaging
• Biosensor applications
• Data analysis
• Scientific publication

The project involves collaboration with specialists in:

• Optical microscopy
• Plant defence biology
• Synthetic biology

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Eligibility Requirements – Plant Cell Wall Dynamics PhD

Applicants should have an academic background in:

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Related life science disciplines

Required qualifications include:

• Experience with advanced microscopy techniques
• Knowledge of plant cell and molecular biology
• Experience with Arabidopsis or comparable plant systems
• Excellent English communication skills

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Preferred Qualifications – Plant Molecular Biology

Additional experience in:

• Cell wall integrity signalling
• RNA sequencing
• RT-qPCR
• Confocal microscopy
• Fluorescent biosensors
• Plant immune responses
• Cell wall biochemistry
• Protein expression
• Optogenetics
• Computational biology
• Biostatistics

will strengthen an application.

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Employment Conditions

Both PhD positions are intended to lead to a doctoral degree. Employment details:

• Position type: Temporary doctoral employment
• Work percentage: 100%
• Location: Umeå, Sweden
• Duration:
  • Four years full-time doctoral study
  • Up to five years if teaching duties are included
• Teaching and departmental duties: Maximum 20%
• Salary: According to Umeå University PhD salary scale

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Important Dates

Application Deadline: 31 July 2026

Expected Start Date:

• Conifer Functional Genomics: 5 October 2026 or according to agreement
• Plant Cell Wall Dynamics: September 2026 or according to agreement

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Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

1- For Conifer Functional Genomics Position:

• Personal letter (maximum 2 pages)
• CV
• Degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
• Contact details of 2–3 referees
• Additional supporting documents if desired
• Applications should be submitted through APPLY NOW

2- For Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Position:

• Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• Research statement (maximum 1 page)
• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Publications or thesis (if available)
• Contact information for 2–3 referees
• Applications should be submitted through APPLY NOW

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Contact Information

Conifer Functional Genomics PhD

Contact: Professor Nathaniel R. Street
Email: nathaniel.street@umu.se

Plant Cell Wall Dynamics PhD

Contact: Associate Professor Laura Bacete
Email: laura.bacete@umu.se

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many PhD positions are available at Umeå University?

Umeå University is offering two funded PhD positions in Plant Science at the Umeå Plant Science Centre.

2. What are the research topics?

The positions focus on:

• Functional genomics of conifers
• Plant cell wall dynamics and mechanobiology

3. Are these PhD positions funded?

Yes. The positions are paid doctoral employment positions with salary according to the established PhD salary scale at Umeå University.

4. Can international students apply?

Yes. Applicants with equivalent qualifications obtained outside Sweden are eligible to apply.

5. What degree is required?

Applicants generally need an advanced-level degree or equivalent academic qualifications in biology or related disciplines.

6. What is the application deadline?

The deadline for both positions is 31 July 2026.

7. What language should applications be written in?

Applications should preferably be written in English, although Swedish applications are also accepted.

8. Where are the PhD positions located?

Both positions are based at Umeå University in Umeå, Sweden.

9. Is teaching required during the PhD?

Teaching and departmental duties may be included up to a maximum of 20% of employment time.

10. What research facilities are available?

Researchers at UPSC have access to advanced facilities for plant transformation, sequencing, bioinformatics, microscopy, and functional genomics.