24-Months Postdoctoral Position in Plant Evolutionary Genomics and Pangenomics at SLU, Sweden

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Plant Evolutionary Genomics and Pangenomics at the Department of Plant Biology in Uppsala, Sweden. The position is based in the Yant Lab and offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of plant evolutionary genomics, population genomics, pangenomics, structural variation, and forest conservation.

The successful candidate will contribute to a Formas-funded research project focused on the conservation and restoration of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) populations threatened by ash dieback. A major goal of the project is to develop the first Swedish-focused European ash pangenome by combining long-read genome assemblies with population-scale sequencing.

This 24-month postdoctoral position is full-time and is expected to start on 1 November 2026. The application deadline is 31 August 2026. This postdoctoral position combines advanced computational genomics with a major biological and conservation challenge. The research will investigate the genetic basis of adaptation and disease resistance in European ash while contributing to the development of a new pangenomic resource.

The project is especially attractive for researchers interested in plant evolutionary genomics, population genomics, pangenomics, structural variation, GWAS, genotype–environment associations, and forest conservation. Working with long-read sequencing, graph-based genomes, population-scale datasets, and international collaborators will provide an opportunity to expand both technical expertise and scientific independence. The research also has potential relevance beyond European ash by contributing methodological approaches for understanding genetic diversity, adaptation, and conservation in other plant species.

About the Postdoctoral Research Project

The postdoctoral position is available in the Yant Lab at SLU, where researchers develop computational and genomic approaches to understand evolution, adaptation, genome dynamics, and whole-genome duplication across diverse plant systems.

The project is supported by a Formas grant addressing the conservation of European ash, a tree species facing severe population declines as a result of ash dieback. The successful postdoctoral researcher will help establish a Swedish-focused European ash pangenome and use population-scale genomic data to investigate the genetic basis of disease resistance and local adaptation across Europe.

European ash provides an important system for studying how genetic variation contributes to adaptation and survival under environmental and disease-related pressures. By combining genome assemblies from long-read sequencing with large-scale population genomic data, the project aims to uncover genomic variation that may not be captured by traditional reference-genome approaches.

The research will combine population genomics, graph-based pangenomics, structural variant discovery, genome-wide association studies, and evolutionary genomics. State-of-the-art sequencing technologies and computational genomic methods will be used to address both methodological and biological questions.

The successful candidate will collaborate with researchers at other SLU campuses, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and other European research partners. This international and interdisciplinary collaboration will provide opportunities to contribute to methodological development while also generating new knowledge relevant to plant evolution, forest restoration, and conservation.

Research Areas and Methods

The postdoctoral project brings together several major areas of modern plant genomics. The successful researcher will work with large-scale genomic datasets to study genetic variation, demographic history, adaptation, and disease resistance across European ash populations.

Key research areas include:

• Large-scale population genomics.
• Demographic inference and evolutionary genomics.
• Graph-based pangenomics.
• Structural variant discovery and analysis.
• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
• Genotype–environment association (GEA/EAA) analyses.
• Population genomics across environmental gradients.
• Long-read genome sequencing and genome assembly.
• Computational genomic analysis using Linux and high-performance computing systems.

The project is particularly well suited to a researcher interested in developing computational approaches while applying them to an important biological and conservation problem.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

SLU is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD in botany, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, plant biology, or a related field deemed equivalent by the employer.

Applicants should have a strong publication record appropriate to their career stage and demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research. The successful candidate is expected to take scientific ownership of the project while working effectively with collaborators across institutions and countries.

The ideal candidate will have experience in large-scale population genomics, demographic inference, and evolutionary genomics. Experience with graph-based pangenomics and structural variant analysis is particularly relevant, ideally in plant systems.

Applicants should also have experience with genotype–environment association or GWAS analyses, as well as strong programming skills in Python. Extensive experience working in Linux environments and across multiple high-performance computing (HPC) systems is expected.

Experience with population genomics across environmental gradients, including demographic inference and genotype–environment association analyses, is also highly relevant to the project.

Desirable Experience

Experience with the following areas will be considered an advantage:

• Long-read sequencing.
• Structural variant analysis.
• Graph-based genome analysis.
• Plant genomics.
• Long-read genome assemblies.
• Computational analysis of complex plant genomes.

These areas are advantageous but are not explicitly required. Candidates with strong expertise in population genomics, evolutionary genomics, computational biology, and related fields are encouraged to apply.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate should be a collaborative and motivated scientist who can drive the project with creativity, independence, and scientific curiosity. Because the research involves collaboration with several institutions and European partners, strong communication and teamwork skills are important. At the same time, the postdoctoral researcher will be expected to take initiative and independently develop research questions, analytical approaches, and scientific outputs.

Excellent written and spoken English is required. As postdoctoral appointments are intended to support career development, priority will be given to candidates who received their doctoral degree within the past three years.

Career Development and Research Environment

This position offers an opportunity to work at the forefront of plant evolutionary genomics while contributing to a practical conservation challenge. The combination of population-scale sequencing, pangenomics, structural variation, and ecological data provides an opportunity to develop expertise in several rapidly advancing areas of genomics.

The project also offers international collaboration with researchers at SLU, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and other European institutions. This network can provide valuable opportunities for scientific collaboration, methodological development, publications, and professional development.

For researchers interested in evolutionary genomics, computational biology, forest genetics, plant conservation, or population genomics, the position provides a strong environment for developing an independent research profile.

About the Department of Plant Biology

The Department of Plant Biology at SLU provides a creative and stimulating international research environment and is one of the departments that make up the Uppsala BioCenter. Research within the department covers fundamental questions in plant biology across model organisms, agricultural crops, forest trees, and bioenergy crops. Major research areas include plant interactions with microorganisms and environmental stresses, plant growth and development, biotechnology and metabolic engineering, gene-expression regulation, population genetics, genome analysis, and the development of breeding systems.

The department works with a broad range of organisms, including species from the Arabidopsis genus, Physcomitrella, Cochlearia, rapeseed, basket willow (Salix), potato, and cereals, as well as plant pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes.

The department also provides teaching in general and molecular genetics, cell biology, gene technology, plant physiology, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology, and molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. It contributes to additional courses in collaboration with other departments.

About Uppsala, Sweden

The position is located in Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city. Uppsala is home to two universities and more than 50,000 students, creating a vibrant academic and student environment.

The city is part of the Greater Stockholm area and has convenient connections to Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport, making it well connected to Sweden and international destinations. Uppsala’s strong university and research environment makes it an attractive location for researchers seeking an international academic community.

About the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays an important role in supporting sustainable societal development through science and education. Its research and education focus on the interactions between humans, animals, ecosystems, and the responsible use of natural resources. SLU’s main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, while the university also operates research stations, experimental forests, and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

The university has approximately 4,000 employees and 6,000 students and doctoral students, with an annual turnover of more than SEK 4.5 billion. SLU aims to provide an inclusive and equal working environment in which different experiences and perspectives contribute to scientific discussion, creativity, and development. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Employment Conditions

The position is offered as a temporary postdoctoral employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension. The position is full-time at 100%, with an expected start date of 1 November 2026. The employment is based at the Department of Plant Biology in Uppsala, Sweden.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates should prepare their academic and research materials and submit their application through Apply for this position system before the deadline.

Contact Information

For questions about the research position and project, applicants can contact:

Levi Yant
Professor
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Email: levi.yant@slu.se

Application deadline: 31 August 2026
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Research area: Plant Evolutionary Genomics and Pangenomics
Location: Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: 24 months, with possible extension
Workload: 100%, full-time
Start date: 1 November 2026

Apply for this position

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is this postdoctoral position about?

The project focuses on plant evolutionary genomics and pangenomics, with a particular emphasis on European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The research will investigate disease resistance, local adaptation, population history, and genetic variation across European ash populations.

2. Where is the postdoctoral position located?

The position is based at the Department of Plant Biology at SLU in Uppsala, Sweden.

3. How long is the postdoctoral appointment?

The position is a 24-month temporary appointment, with the possibility of extension.

4. What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is 31 August 2026.

5. When does the position start?

The expected start date is 1 November 2026.

6. What PhD background is required?

Applicants should hold a PhD in botany, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, plant biology, or a related subject considered equivalent by SLU.

7. What technical skills are expected?

The ideal candidate should have experience in large-scale population genomics, demographic inference, evolutionary genomics, graph-based pangenomics, structural variant analysis, GWAS or genotype–environment association analyses, Python programming, Linux, and HPC environments.

8. Is plant genomics experience mandatory?

Plant genomics experience is advantageous, but experience with long-read sequencing, structural variant analysis, graph-based genome analysis, and plant genomics is stated as an advantage rather than an absolute requirement.

9. Is experience with long-read sequencing required?

No. Long-read sequencing, structural variant analysis, graph-based genome analysis, and plant genomics are considered advantageous but are not required.

10. Who will the postdoctoral researcher work with?

The researcher will work with the Yant Lab at SLU and collaborate with researchers at other SLU campuses, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and other European partners.

11. Who is the main contact person?

The main contact person is Professor Levi Yant, who can be reached at levi.yant@slu.se.

12. What is the reference number?

The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2247.

13. Who will receive priority for the position?

Because postdoctoral appointments are intended as career-development positions, priority will be given to applicants who received their doctoral degree within the past three years.

14. What is the main research organism?

The project focuses on European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), a forest tree threatened by ash dieback.

15. What makes this postdoc particularly relevant to conservation?

The research aims to identify genomic variation associated with disease resistance and local adaptation in European ash. These insights can contribute to strategies for restoring and conserving threatened ash populations across Europe.