by
2026-04-30
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The Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in plant science. The expected starting date is during summer 2026 or according to agreement.
Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of the strongest research environments for basic plant research in Europe. Research at UPSC covers a wide range of disciplines in plant biology including ecology, computational biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se). A PhD student position is open at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre. Application deadline is April 30, 2026.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form symbiotic associations with most land plants and play a central role in plant nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and within ecosystem functioning. In recent years, the field has made significant progress in characterising the functional characteristics (or traits) of AM fungi. Such traits (e.g. growth rate, spore size) influence how AM fungi interact with their environment and other organisms. It is becoming clear that these traits are not fixed properties of a species. Growing evidence suggests that even within a single AM fungal lineage, trait expression can shift across environmental contexts, potentially leading to markedly different functional outcomes for host plants. Determining the extent, structure, and consequences of this phenotypic plasticity is an important frontier in mycorrhizal science.
This PhD project will investigate phenotypic plasticity in AM fungi and examine how plasticity in fungal traits translates into plasticity in host plant outcomes. The project will focus on key fungal traits related to symbiotic function, including root colonisation, arbuscule and vesicle formation (structures involved in nutrient exchange and storage), extraradical mycelial investment, spore production, nutrient transfer, and carbon uptake. By experimentally manipulating environmental drivers such as soil nutrient availability and host identity, the student will quantify fungal reaction ‘norms’ and identify coordinated shifts in fungal allocation strategies. A central aim of the project is to link fungal trait plasticity to plant performance, including plant growth and nutrient acquisition. The project will also explore whether the magnitude and structure of fungal plasticity vary across AM fungal lineages, addressing fundamental questions about the evolutionary and phylogenetic constraints on mycorrhizal strategies.
In this project the PhD will combine controlled plant–fungus experiments with microscopy, physiological measurements, and quantitative data analysis. Depending on the interests of the PhD student, there will be opportunities to incorporate isotope tracing, multivariate trait analysis, and evolutionary or phylogenetic approaches. The project is designed to be flexible and can be tailored toward ecological, physiological, or eco-evolutionary questions.
As a PhD student on this project, you will join a newly establishing research group focused on mycorrhizal ecology, plant–microbe interactions, DNA metabarcoding, and global change biology. You will work within a team and collaborate with experts in plant science, fungal ecology, and advanced data analysis. You will be encouraged to develop independent research questions within the broader project framework. This project offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated doctoral student to contribute to a rapidly developing area of research with relevance to ecosystem management, biodiversity, and fundamental ecological theory.
To fulfil the general entry requirements, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at advanced level (second-cycle), or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at advanced level, or has otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge within Sweden or abroad. The faculty board may, in the case of a specific applicant, consent to an exemption from the general entry requirements if there are special reasons to do so. (cf. Higher Education Ordinance).
To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted to doctoral studies at in Plant Science, the successful candidate must have completed 90 ECTS in Biology or other subjects relevant to the research area, such as Chemistry, Physics, or Computer Science. Of these, at least 15 ECTS have to be in a subject directly relevant to the research topic and at least 15 ECTS from an individual project course. Good knowledge of English, both written and spoken, is also required.
The requirements for prior knowledge as described above are also considered to be met by those who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.
For this position, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in plant–microbe interactions, fungal biology, and experimental ecology. A relevant background includes a master’s degree in plant biology, ecology, microbiology, soil biology, evolutionary biology, or a closely related field.
Other requirements are:
Meritorious qualifications include:
We do not expect the selected candidate to be proficient in all these techniques from the beginning, but they should demonstrate the ability and eagerness to learn new methods and a strong interest in developing both experimental and analytical skills.
On a personal level, we are looking for a collaborative and engaged researcher who can also work independently when required. We would like you to:
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which include participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position. The employment will start during summer 2026 or upon agreement.
You apply through our recruitment system Varbi on April 30, 2026 at the latest. The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish.
The application should include:
Documents should be sent electronically, in MS Word or PDF format, through the recruitment system Varbi. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Adam Frew (adam.frew@umu.se)
We look forward to your application!
Admission
Sommaren 2026 eller enligt överenskommelse
Salary
Månadslön
Application deadline
2026-04-30
Registration number
AN 2026/391
Union representative
SACO
090-7865365
SEKO
090-7865296
ST
090-7865431