Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
Post doctor (2 years) in plant developmental biology
The Department of Plant Physiology seeks to fill one postdoctoral position who will work in Stephan Wenkel’s research group on a project aimed at understanding shoot meristem patterning. The employment is full-time for two years with access on December 1, 2025 or according to agreement.
Department of Plant Physiology
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, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se). The postdoctoral fellowship is going to be placed at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre. Our common goal is to understand plants’ ability to adapt and acclimate to a changing world.
Project description and working tasks
We are announcing an opening for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a dynamic, interdisciplinary research group that works on the role of microproteins in plant development. This two-year position (with the possibility of a one-year extension) will focus on understanding pattern formation at the Arabidopsi shoot apex integrating the activities of transcription factors, microRNAs and microProteins. This project leverages advanced classical genetics, genome editing, and protein biochemistry to uncover how molecular players, such as microproteins and microRNAs, regulate developmental pathways.
Qualifications
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the appointment decision.
To be appointed under the postdoctoral agreement, priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
A doctoral degree in molecular biology or genetics is required. For the employment you must also have extensive laboratory experience in biochemical methods and molecular biology. Strong oral and written communication skills in English, as well as a willingness to travel, are also requirements.
Meritorious for the employment is experience in CRISPR/Cas mutagenesis methods, microRNA biology, protein biochemistry, and/or plant molecular biology. The ability to independently plan one’s work, deepen understanding of the research question, and collaborate effectively within a team is also a merit. We value creativity, communication skills, and initiative.
Application
The application should contain:
A personal letter that describes your qualifications, research interests, and motivation for application (maximum 2 pages).
CV with full publication list
Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate or equivalent and other relevant degree certificates and grades,
Other documents wished to be claimed.
The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system Varbi. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is October 16, 2025.
Further details are provided from Stephan Wenkel, stephan.wenkel@umu.se
We look forward to receiving your application!
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Admission
Access on December 1, 2025 or according to agreement
Umeå University wants to offer an equal environment where open dialogue between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current employment.
We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising help.
