Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in Plant Cell Wall Biology, Biophysics, and Spatial Transcriptomics
The Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden) invites applicants for a postdoctoral scholarship in plant science. The expected starting date is November 2026 or according to agreement (latest possible starting date: 15 April 2027).
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). We are now offering a two-year full-time postdoctoral scholarship at the Department of Plant Physiology, funded by the Kempe Foundation. The scholarship amounts to 360 000 SEK per year and is not subject to tax. The PI covers running costs. Application deadline is 31 August 2026. Starting date: November 2026 or according to agreement.
Project Description
We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join the “4DWalls: Exploring the Dynamics of Arabidopsis thaliana Root Cell Walls Through Single Cell Mapping” project at the Plant Cell Wall Dynamics Lab, led by Assistant Professor Laura Bacete.
The project investigates how growing plant cells establish and respond to defined cell-wall states on short timescales, and how those states connect to cell-type-specific gene programmes. Focusing on Arabidopsis thaliana roots, the postdoctoral scholarship holder will attempt to integrate three spatial measurement layers: cell-wall mechanics (Brillouin microscopy), wall chemical composition (OPTIR spectroscopy), and spatial gene Xenium in situ transcriptomics); into a unified, time-resolved atlas of the root transition zone.
As a postdoctoral scholarship holder, you will have the opportunity to develop and advance expertise in transcriptomics and data integration. Through the project you will be able to expand your knowledge in areas such as RNA-seq analysis for marker selection, coordination of chemical mapping, designing Xenium panels through a national infrastructure, and also cultivate a deep understanding of how to build cross-layer integration pipelines. The group has an established Brillouin microscope and existing protocols for quantitative wall-mechanics measurements in plant tissues, providing a stable experimental foundation for the project.
The appointed scholarship holder will receive full support from the PI to apply for independent postdoctoral grants if desired, and will follow an individual development plan crafted together with the PI.
Qualifications
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
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 before 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.
Requirements
A PhD in Plant Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Computational Biology, or a related field.
Solid background in molecular and cell biology, including experience with standard laboratory techniques.
Experience in the analysis of large-scale biological datasets (e.g. transcriptomics or imaging data) and proficiency in at least one scripting language (Python, R, or equivalent).
Very good written and oral English language skills.
Merits
Experience with plant model systems, in particular Arabidopsis thaliana.
Familiarity with quantitative microscopy techniques (confocal, FLIM, or equivalent).
Experience from research with plant cell walls, including biochemical or structural analyses.
Knowledge of plant cell mechanics or biophysical approaches to measure mechanical properties of biological materials.
Experience with spatial transcriptomics, in situ sequencing, or single-cell genomics.
Skills in biological modelling, biostatistics, or image analysis pipelines.
Involvement in science communication, outreach, or community organisation within an academic setting.
On a personal level, the postdoctoral scholar is expected to be organised and reliable. You should also function well both independently and within a team, and of course take part in nurturing the collaborative culture of learning within the research group.
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 via Umeå University´s recruitment system Varbi and submitted by 31 August 2026. We encourage qualified candidates to apply regardless of gender, functional capacity, or cultural background.
The application must contain:
Cover Letter (1 page): Detail your qualifications and explain your interest in this position.
Curriculum Vitae with Full Publication List.
Research Statement (1 page): Describe your research interests and how they relate to the project’s themes. Highlight how your current knowledge, skills and previous experience align with the objectives of the project.
Comprehensive Overview of Research Contributions: This should be a narrative CV based on the ”Resumé for Researchers” by the Royal Society, encompassing the following four modules (maximum 1000 words/2 pages for the four modules, but it can be shorter): a) Knowledge Generation Contributions: Outline how you've contributed to new ideas, research communication, and significant achievements in your field. b) Development of Individuals: Highlight your role in mentoring, teaching, and collaborative work, emphasizing your impact on team success and individual development. c) Contributions to the Wider Research Community: Describe your involvement in activities beyond your own research, such as editorial work, committee participation, and efforts to enhance research culture and integrity. d) Broader Societal Impact: Explain your engagement in activities that extend the impact of your research to society, industry, and policy-making, including public engagement and knowledge exchange.
Educational Certificates: Copy of doctoral degree and any other relevant academic qualifications.
Additional Relevant Documents (optional).
Contact details for two professional referees should be provided during a possible interview.
Further information
For further information, please contact Laura Bacete (laura.bacete@umu.se).
