Researchers interested in plant molecular biology, biophysics, computational biology, and spatial omics are invited to apply for a prestigious postdoctoral scholarship at Umeå University in Sweden. The position is hosted by the Department of Plant Physiology at the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), one of Europe’s leading research environments for fundamental plant science.

This two-year full-time postdoctoral scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to develop expertise at the intersection of plant cell biology, advanced microscopy, transcriptomics, and computational data integration. The expected starting date is November 2026, or according to agreement, with the latest possible starting date being 15 April 2027. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

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Scholarship Overview

Category	Details
Host Institution	Umeå University
Research Centre	Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC)
Department	Department of Plant Physiology
Position	Postdoctoral Scholarship
Duration	2 years
Research Area	Plant Cell Wall Biology, Biophysics, Spatial Transcriptomics
Location	Umeå, Sweden
Starting Date	November 2026 or according to agreement
Deadline	31 August 2026
Funding	Kempe Foundation
Scholarship Amount	360,000 SEK per year (tax-free)
Working Scope	Full-time (100%)

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About Umeå Plant Science Centre

The Umeå Plant Science Centre is internationally recognized for advanced research in plant biology. The centre brings together researchers working across multiple disciplines, including:

• Plant molecular biology
• Genetics
• Ecology
• Computational biology
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Cell biology

UPSC provides an interdisciplinary research environment where scientists combine experimental and computational approaches to understand plant growth, adaptation, and development.

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Research Project: Exploring Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Through Single-Cell Mapping

The selected postdoctoral researcher will join the project: “4DWalls: Exploring the Dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana Root Cell Walls Through Single Cell Mapping” The project is led by Assistant Professor Laura Bacete at the Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Lab. The main objective is to understand how plant cells establish specific cell-wall states during growth and how these physical properties connect with cell-type-specific gene expression programmes. The research focuses on the root transition zone of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and aims to create a time-resolved biological atlas by integrating three complementary measurement approaches:

1. Cell Wall Mechanical Properties

The project will use Brillouin microscopy to investigate the mechanical characteristics of plant cell walls. This approach provides quantitative information about how physical properties influence plant cell growth and development.

2. Cell Wall Chemical Composition

OPTIR spectroscopy will be used to analyse molecular and chemical features of plant cell walls. This will help researchers understand how changes in wall composition affect cellular behaviour.

3. Spatial Gene Expression Mapping

The project will incorporate Xenium in situ spatial transcriptomics to measure gene activity directly within plant tissues. By combining spatial gene expression data with mechanical and chemical measurements, researchers aim to build a comprehensive understanding of plant cell wall dynamics.

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Research Skills and Training Opportunities

The postdoctoral researcher will gain advanced expertise in:

• Spatial transcriptomics
• RNA-seq data analysis
• Marker gene identification
• Large-scale biological data interpretation
• Computational integration of multi-layer datasets
• Quantitative microscopy
• Plant cell wall analysis
• Image analysis pipelines

The research group already has established Brillouin microscopy facilities and validated protocols for measuring plant tissue mechanics, providing a strong experimental foundation. The selected scholar will also receive support from the principal investigator to develop independent research proposals and apply for future postdoctoral funding opportunities. An individual career development plan will be created together with the PI.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree or an equivalent international qualification by the time the scholarship recipient is selected. Priority will be given to candidates who completed their PhD within the previous three years. Applicants with older doctoral degrees may also be considered if there are justified circumstances, including:

• Parental leave
• Medical leave
• Military service
• Trade union responsibilities
• Clinical practice
• Other relevant professional assignments

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Required Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• A PhD in Plant Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, or a related discipline
• Strong knowledge of molecular and cellular biology
• Experience with standard laboratory techniques
• Experience analysing large biological datasets, including transcriptomics or imaging data
• Programming skills in Python, R, or an equivalent scripting language
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills

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Preferred Qualifications and Additional Experience

Applicants with experience in the following areas will be particularly competitive:

• Arabidopsis thaliana research
• Plant model systems
• Quantitative microscopy techniques such as confocal microscopy or FLIM
• Plant cell wall biochemical or structural analysis
• Biological mechanics and biophysical measurement methods
• Spatial transcriptomics
• In situ sequencing
• Single-cell genomics
• Biological modelling
• Biostatistics
• Image processing and computational pipelines
• Academic outreach and science communication

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Personal Skills

The successful candidate should be:

• Organised and dependable
• Able to work independently
• Comfortable collaborating in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Interested in contributing to a positive academic culture
• Motivated to support knowledge sharing and scientific collaboration

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Application Process

Applications must be submitted in English (preferred) or Swedish through Umeå University’s recruitment system Varbi. Documents should be submitted in Word or PDF format. The application deadline is: 31 August 2026 Applicants are encouraged regardless of gender, disability, or cultural background.

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Required Application Documents

1. Cover Letter (Maximum 1 Page)

The letter should explain:

• Your academic background
• Relevant research experience
• Motivation for applying
• Connection between your expertise and the project

2. Curriculum Vitae

Include:

• Academic history
• Research experience
• Publications
• Full publication list

3. Research Statement (Maximum 1 Page)

Describe:

• Your research interests
• How your expertise connects with the project
• Your previous contributions
• Future research goals

4. Research Contribution Overview

Applicants should provide a narrative CV based on the “Résumé for Researchers” framework developed by the Royal Society.

The document should cover four areas:

Knowledge Generation Contributions

Explain contributions to:

• Scientific discoveries
• Research ideas
• Publications
• Research communication

Development of Individuals

Highlight:

• Mentoring experience
• Teaching activities
• Team collaboration
• Training contributions

Contributions to the Research Community

Include:

• Editorial activities
• Academic committees
• Research culture initiatives
• Scientific integrity activities

Broader Societal Impact

Describe:

• Public engagement
• Industry collaboration
• Policy contributions
• Knowledge exchange activities

5. Educational Certificates

Provide:

• PhD certificate
• Relevant academic qualifications

6. Additional Documents

Optional supporting materials may also be included. Professional referee contact details should be provided during a possible interview stage.

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Contact Information

For additional information regarding the project and position: Laura Bacete
Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Lab
Email: laura.bacete@umu.se

Apply Now

[https://umustipendie.varbi.com/se/apply/positionquick/946316/?where=4]

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the deadline for the Umeå University postdoctoral scholarship?

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?

Yes. The scholarship is funded by the Kempe Foundation and provides 360,000 SEK per year. The scholarship amount is tax-free, and research running costs are covered by the principal investigator.

Where is the postdoctoral scholarship located?

The position is located at Umeå University in Umeå, Sweden.

What research area does this postdoctoral fellowship focus on?

The fellowship focuses on plant cell wall biology, biophysics, spatial transcriptomics, microscopy, and computational integration of biological datasets.

Do applicants need experience with spatial transcriptomics?

Spatial transcriptomics experience is considered a strong advantage but is not listed as a mandatory requirement. Candidates with related expertise in transcriptomics, imaging analysis, or computational biology are encouraged to apply.

Which plant species is studied in this project?

The project uses Arabidopsis thaliana, one of the most widely used model organisms in plant biology.

Can candidates with a PhD obtained more than three years ago apply?

Yes. Although preference is given to recent PhD graduates, candidates with older doctoral degrees may be considered if they have documented special circumstances.

What programming skills are expected?

Applicants should have experience with at least one programming or scripting language, such as Python or R, especially for analysing biological datasets.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate strong written and oral English communication skills.

When does the position start?

The expected starting date is November 2026, although an alternative start date may be arranged. The latest possible start date is 15 April 2027.