Postdoctoral Funded Position in Carbon Partitioning in Trees in Sweden

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is inviting applications for a postdoctoral position in carbon partitioning in trees at its Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology in Umeå, Sweden. The successful candidate will join the Niittylä group at the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) and work with hybrid aspen as a model system.

The project addresses an important question in plant and forest science: how do trees distribute carbon and convert it into biomass? By combining metabolomics with isotope techniques, the research aims to improve our understanding of the metabolic processes that lead to biomass formation and carbon sequestration in trees.

For researchers with a PhD in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry or plant physiology, this position offers the opportunity to work in an international plant science environment with access to advanced analytical platforms and specialized tree research resources.

Postdoctoral Position at SLU: Key Details

Position Detail	Information
Position	Postdoctoral researcher
Research area	Carbon partitioning in trees
Model system	Hybrid aspen
Department	Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology
Research centre	Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC)
University	Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
Location	Umeå, Sweden
Employment type	Fixed-term employment
Contract duration	6 months
Workload	100%, full time
Start date	1 October 2026 or as agreed
Application deadline	28 August 2026
Reference number	SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2340
Working hours	Day
Occupation area	Lecturer/Scientist
Employment level	Time-limited employment
Organization	SLU, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

About the Carbon Partitioning Research Project

Trees are among the most important biological carbon sinks on Earth. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and use the resulting carbon to support growth, metabolism and biomass production. A significant proportion of this carbon eventually becomes wood, making trees highly important for both the global carbon cycle and sustainable forest products.

However, scientists still do not have a complete mechanistic understanding of how carbon is partitioned and directed toward wood formation. This knowledge gap makes it more difficult to predict how trees will assimilate CO2 under changing environmental conditions and how their carbon use can be optimized for sustainable materials and fuels.

The research project at UPSC will address this challenge by investigating metabolic fluxes that contribute to biomass formation. The researcher will use innovative metabolomics and isotope techniques to examine how carbon moves through metabolic pathways and contributes to the formation of tree biomass.

Why Carbon Partitioning in Trees Matters

Carbon partitioning is a fundamental process in plant biology. After carbon is fixed through photosynthesis, plants must distribute it between different metabolic pathways and tissues. The balance between these pathways influences growth, storage, respiration and the production of structural biomass.

This process is particularly important in trees because woody biomass represents a long-term carbon store. A better understanding of carbon allocation can therefore improve scientific models of forest carbon sequestration and help researchers understand how trees respond to environmental change.

The research also has potential relevance to the development of sustainable wood-derived materials and fuels. Understanding how trees convert carbon into biomass could support future strategies for improving the efficiency and sustainability of forest resources.

Hybrid Aspen as the Model Plant

The project will use hybrid aspen as the experimental model system. Aspen is widely used in plant and forest research because it provides a useful model for studying tree growth, physiology, metabolism and wood formation.

Using hybrid aspen allows researchers to investigate carbon metabolism under controlled experimental conditions while studying processes that are relevant to larger questions in tree biology. The model can therefore help connect detailed molecular research with broader questions about forest productivity and carbon storage.

Research Methods and Techniques

The postdoctoral researcher will investigate metabolic pathways involved in biomass formation. The project will rely on modern analytical approaches, with particular emphasis on metabolomics and isotope techniques.

Metabolomics can provide detailed information about metabolites present in plant tissues and how metabolic profiles change under different conditions. Isotope techniques can complement this information by helping researchers trace the movement of carbon through biological pathways.

Together, these approaches can provide a more detailed picture of carbon partitioning than measurements of plant growth or biomass alone. The work will also build on molecular biology and plant biochemical approaches relevant to carbon metabolism.

Who Can Apply?

The position is aimed at researchers who have completed a PhD in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry or plant physiology. Applicants should have a genuine interest in experimental plant research and be prepared to work with advanced approaches to plant metabolism.

Strong molecular biology laboratory skills are important for the role. Previous experience with metabolomics and plant primary metabolism is highly desirable because these areas are central to the research project. The university also requires English fluency and publication of the applicant’s PhD research in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry or plant physiology.
• A genuine interest in experimental plant research.
• Molecular biology laboratory skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Publication of PhD research in high-quality peer-reviewed journal(s).

Preferred Research Experience

Previous experience in metabolomics is highly desirable. Experience with plant primary metabolism is also considered valuable for this project. Applicants with experience in plant biochemical pathways, metabolic analysis, isotope-based research or related experimental approaches may have a strong background for the position.

About the Umeå Plant Science Centre

The Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is a centre of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in Northern Sweden. Its research covers a broad range of plant science disciplines, from cell biology and molecular research to ecophysiology and applied forest biotechnology.

The centre aims to generate innovative basic research and knowledge that can benefit forestry, agriculture, the environment and wider society. Researchers at UPSC study how plants grow, adapt and acclimate to changing conditions, while also investigating ways to improve plants for future applications. This broad research environment makes UPSC particularly relevant to scientists working across molecular biology, plant physiology, biochemistry and forest science.

International Research Environment

UPSC is associated with both Umeå University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Around 200 people from more than 40 nationalities work at the centre, creating an international research community with expertise across many areas of plant science.

The centre hosts approximately 30 principal investigators and provides researchers with access to advanced scientific infrastructure. These resources include state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique tree germplasm resources and specialized plant growth facilities. UPSC also supports researchers throughout different career stages. Professional training opportunities and individual career mentoring are available to help scientists develop their research and broader academic careers.

About the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of SLU’s Faculty of Forest Sciences and contributes to research on trees, plants and forest biology. Its work spans fundamental questions about plant growth, physiology, genetics and adaptation. The department also supports research that can contribute to sustainable forestry and the responsible use of forest resources. For a postdoctoral researcher interested in tree biology and plant metabolism, the department provides an environment where molecular and physiological research can connect with broader questions about forest productivity and sustainability.

Employment Conditions

SLU offers this position as a six-month fixed-term appointment. The position is full time, with a scope of 100%. The expected start date is 1 October 2026, or another date agreed upon between SLU and the successful candidate. The position is based at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology at SLU in Umeå. Because this is a time-limited postdoctoral appointment, applicants should review the employment conditions carefully before applying.

Working at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences has an important role in research and education related to sustainable development, natural resources and ecosystem interactions. Its work focuses on the relationship between humans, animals and ecosystems and on 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 around 4,000 employees and 6,000 students and doctoral students, with a turnover of more than SEK 4.5 billion.

SLU also aims to provide an inclusive working environment characterized by gender equality and respect for diverse perspectives. The university welcomes applicants from different backgrounds and recognizes that varied experiences can contribute to scientific discussion, creativity and development.

Application Deadline and Reference Number

The applications must be submitted by 28 August 2026. The official reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2340. Applicants should keep this reference number available when reviewing the position or communicating with the university about the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit their applications through Apply for this position system. Applicants will need to log in or register before submitting an application.

Before applying, candidates should ensure that their CV clearly presents their doctoral research, publications and laboratory experience. It is also useful to highlight experience that directly relates to plant metabolism, molecular biology, metabolomics, isotope techniques or experimental plant physiology.

Contact Information

The listed contact person for the position is:

Totte Niittylä
Prefekt
Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

Telephone: 090-786 83 55
Email: totte.niittylä@slu.se

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this postdoctoral position about?

The position focuses on carbon partitioning in trees and the metabolic processes that lead to biomass formation. The project will use hybrid aspen as the model system and apply metabolomics and isotope techniques.

Where is the postdoctoral position located?

The position is based at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology at SLU in Umeå, Sweden.

What is the main research question?

The project aims to improve the mechanistic understanding of how trees partition carbon and direct it toward biomass formation. This knowledge may help researchers better understand carbon sequestration and the production of sustainable wood-derived materials and fuels.

What model system will the researcher use?

The research will use hybrid aspen as the model tree.

What techniques will be used?

The project will use innovative metabolomics and isotope techniques to investigate metabolic fluxes associated with biomass formation. Molecular biology approaches are also important to the position.

What degree is required?

Applicants should have a PhD in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry or plant physiology.

Is molecular biology experience required?

Yes. Molecular biology laboratory skills are specifically identified as important for the position.

Is metabolomics experience required?

Previous experience with metabolomics is highly desirable. Experience with plant primary metabolism is also highly desirable.

Are publications required?

Yes. Applicants must have published their PhD work in high-quality peer-reviewed journal(s).

Is English proficiency required?

Yes. The position requires fluency in English for communication within the international research environment.

How long is the employment?

The position is a six-month fixed-term appointment.

Is the position full time?

Yes. The position has a scope of 100%.

When does the position start?

The expected start date is 1 October 2026, or as agreed with the successful candidate.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 28 August 2026.

What is the vacancy reference number?

The reference number is SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2340.

Who can applicants contact?

The listed contact person is Totte Niittylä, Prefekt at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology.

Telephone: 090-786 83 55

Email: totte.niittylä@slu.se

What research resources are available at UPSC?

Researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique tree germplasm resources and plant growth facilities. UPSC also provides professional training and individual career mentoring.

Important Dates at a Glanc

Application deadline: 28 August 2026

Start date: 1 October 2026 or as agreed

Employment: Fixed term, 6 months

Workload: 100%, full time

Location: Umeå, Sweden