Postdoctoral Scholarship in Plant Molecular Biology at Umeå University, Sweden
A two-year postdoctoral scholarship is available at Umeå University in Sweden, within the Department of Plant Physiology and the internationally recognized Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). This position is part of the Con-TEki project, which explores how transposable elements (TEs) shape regulatory innovation in conifer genomes such as Norway spruce and Scots pine. The position is full-time for two years, with an expected starting date of 1 August 2026 or according to agreement. The application deadline is 3 July 2026.
Scholarship Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Umeå University |
| Research Centre | Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) |
| Position | Postdoctoral Scholarship |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Research Area | Plant Molecular Biology, Genomics, Transposable Elements |
| Study System | Norway spruce, Scots pine (conifers) |
| Location | Umeå, Sweden |
| Start Date | 1 August 2026 or according to agreement |
| Deadline | 3 July 2026 |
| Workload | 100% full-time |
| Funding | Kempe Foundation-supported scholarship |
About the Research Environment at UPSC
The Umeå Plant Science Centre is one of Europe’s leading environments for plant biology research, bringing together around 200 scientists working across molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, ecology, and experimental plant science. The centre provides advanced infrastructure for sequencing technologies, single-cell and single-nucleus methods, and computational biology, enabling cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will join the research group of Professor Nathaniel Street, a leading expert in plant genomics and evolutionary biology, focusing on genome regulation and transposable element biology in conifers.
Research Project: Con-TEki and the Role of Transposable Elements in Conifers
The Con-TEki project investigates how transposable elements (TEs) act as drivers of regulatory innovation in long-lived conifer species. These mobile genetic elements play a crucial role in shaping genome structure, gene regulation, and evolutionary adaptation. However, studying gene regulation at single-cell resolution in conifers remains highly challenging. Unlike model plant systems, conifer tissues present significant technical barriers due to their complex structure, difficulty in nuclei isolation, and sensitivity to inhibitory compounds that interfere with sequencing technologies.
To address these challenges, the project focuses on developing and optimising robust single-nucleus sequencing workflows for Norway spruce and Scots pine. This includes improving nuclei isolation techniques, establishing reproducible library preparation protocols, and generating high-quality sequencing datasets suitable for downstream regulatory analysis.
A key feature of the project is its integration of a newly developed microfluidic platform in collaboration with the research group of Johan Henriksson at Umeå University. This technology provides a unique opportunity to adapt advanced single-cell approaches to complex plant systems where standard methods are insufficient. The resulting datasets will contribute to a deeper understanding of gene regulation at cell-type resolution in conifers and support future research in plant genome biology.
Research Focus and Responsibilities
The selected postdoctoral researcher will contribute to method development and experimental optimisation, including the establishment of robust workflows for single-nucleus sequencing. The work involves improving nuclei isolation protocols from challenging plant tissues, developing and refining library preparation methods for RNA-seq and chromatin accessibility assays, and systematically evaluating data quality, reproducibility, and signal-to-noise performance.
A strong emphasis is placed on identifying critical steps in experimental workflows and implementing improvements that enhance both yield and data quality. The researcher will also collaborate closely with computational biologists to interpret sequencing data and ensure rigorous quality control standards. The position is highly interdisciplinary, bridging experimental molecular biology with computational genomics.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD in molecular biology, genetics, or a closely related field. The degree must be completed by the time of the scholarship decision.
Candidates are expected to have:
- Hands-on experience in molecular biology, particularly nucleic acid work
- Experience with sequencing library preparation
- Background in high-throughput sequencing approaches such as RNA-seq or ATAC-seq
- Ability to assess data quality and identify sources of experimental variation
- Strong documentation skills for reproducible workflows
- Excellent written and spoken English
Preferred Experience
Additional experience that will strengthen an application includes work with single-cell or single-nucleus sequencing methods, plant material (especially woody tissues), microfluidics, and advanced library preparation technologies. Familiarity with sequencing quality control and basic downstream data analysis is also highly desirable.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is highly motivated by experimental method development and thrives in technically challenging research environments. The role requires precision, independence, and strong problem-solving abilities. Candidates should be comfortable working in an interdisciplinary setting where experimental innovation and computational collaboration are tightly integrated.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via APPLY NOW no later than 3 July 2026. The application may be written in English or Swedish, and all documents must be submitted in Word or PDF format.
A complete application should include a cover letter describing relevant experience in experimental method development, a detailed curriculum vitae with publication list, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate or proof of expected completion, and contact details for 2–3 referees. Additional supporting documents may also be included.
Contact Information
For further details regarding the position, applicants may contact: Professor Nathaniel Street
Umeå University
Email: nathaniel.street@umu.se
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the deadline for this postdoctoral scholarship?
The application deadline is 3 July 2026.
What is the focus of the Con-TEki project?
The project studies transposable elements (TEs) and their role in gene regulation and evolutionary innovation in conifer species such as Norway spruce and Scots pine.
Is this a fully funded postdoctoral position?
Yes, the position is funded as a two-year postdoctoral scholarship supported by research foundations and institutional funding.
What techniques are used in this project?
The research involves single-nucleus sequencing, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, microfluidics, and molecular biology workflow optimization.
Which species are studied?
The project focuses on conifers, specifically Norway spruce and Scots pine.
What is the main challenge in this research?
The main challenge is adapting single-cell and single-nucleus sequencing technologies to complex conifer tissues with difficult biological and chemical properties.
Who should apply for this position?
Candidates with strong experience in molecular biology, sequencing technologies, and experimental protocol development are encouraged to apply.
When does the position start?
The expected start date is 1 August 2026, or according to agreement.
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