Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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) within genomics with focus on plant transposable elements
About the project
Con-TEki investigates the role of transposable elements (TEs) as drivers of regulatory innovation in conifers (Norway spruce and Scots pine), contrasting outcomes with an angiosperm (aspen). The project combines genomic, epigenomic and 3D chromatin profiling (ATAC-Seq, easySHARE-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Micro-C/Hi-C, BS-Seq/EM-Seq), massively parallel enhancer assays (ATAC-STARR-seq), and comparative/bayesian/deep-learning analyses, with functional validation in spruce.
The postdoc will join Professor Nathaniel R. Street’s team at UPSC, working closely with Torgeir R. Hvidsten (NMBU, Norway). The environment provides comprehensive support for large‑scale multi‑omic data generation/analysis and transformation/embryogenesis services for functional validation. Nathaniel is also an associate group leader at the Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab) and the Integrated Science Lab (IceLab), giving access to a highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research network.
Working tasks
Design and execute computational workflows including: - Analysis of chromatin accessibility, histone marks, methylation, and chromatin conformation during drought stress and ectomycorrhizal fungal association in spruce/pine. -Perform phylogenetic analyses and analysis of gene duplication and gene family dynamics - Building integrative analyses that link TE‑derived cis‑regulatory elements (TE‑CREs) to gene expression divergence within and across species. - Implementing pipelines to analyse ATAC‑STARR‑seq data to validate enhancer activity; mapping enhancer–promoter links via loop/TAD structures. - Perform comparative analyses versus Populus tremula; apply network modelling and machine learning for regulatory inference. - Analysis of DNA methylation data in combination with sRNA profiling* - Perform TE and lincRNA expression analysis.
Curate, document and analyse large, multi‑omic datasets; ensure reproducibility and FAIR data stewardship.
Lead manuscript preparation for high‑impact journals; present at internal seminars and international conferences.
Mentor PhD students and contribute to collaborative work
Qualification requirements
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.
The doctoral degree should be in in plant molecular biology, genomics/bioinformatics, systems genetics, or closely related field.
Demonstrable expertise in at least two of:
Analysis of high‑throughput sequencing assays (ATAC‑Seq, ChIP‑Seq, BS‑Seq/EM‑Seq, RNA‑Seq); library prep and QC.
Analysis of chromatin conformation (Hi‑C/Micro‑C) data including TADs/compartments/loops.
Computational genomics: co‑expression networks, comparative genomics/orthology, ML/DL for regulatory inference.
A strong publication record commensurate with career stage and excellent scientific writing and communication skills in English are required.
Meritorious qualifications
Experience with segmental duplication/WGD analyses, TE annotation, and motif/footprint inference.
Familiarity with ATAC‑STARR‑seq or other MPRA approaches; integration of enhancer activity with 3D genome features.
Prior work on drought stress responses, wood development, microbial interaction or tree systems.
Proficiency with HPC workflows and reproducible pipelines; commitment to open science/FAIR.
Applications are reviewed for scientific excellence, methodological match to the Con-TEki project, collaborative capability, and potential to drive high-impact outputs.
Terms of employment
The employment is full-time and time limited for two years. Starting date as soon as possible or according to agreement.
Application
The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish and attached documents should be in Word or PDF format. The application should be registered through Umeå University’s recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline June 6, 2026.
A full application should include:
CV and publication list
Cover letter (max 2 pages) describing your fit to Con-TEki and preferred emphasis (wet-lab vs computational; research interests)
Names and contact details of 2–3 referees
Evidence of PhD award (or expected award date)
Additional information
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to present prior work and a brief research plan aligned to Con-TEki.
Contact
For further information please contact Professor Nathaniel R. Street, Umeå University, nathaniel.street@umu.se
Information box
Admission
Tillträde så snart som möjligt eller enligt överenskommelse.
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.
