Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) in plant molecular biology

A postdoctoral scholarship is available at the Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre (www.upsc.se): a stimulating research environment at Umeå University. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for Åsa Strand´s research group, where the research will focus on the regulation of nuclear encoded photosynthesis genes.  

The Kempe foundation funds this two-year postdoctoral scholarship. The scholarship amounts to 360 000 SEK per year and is not subject to tax. The scholarship refers to full-time studies for two years, starting July 1, 2026 or according to agreement. The last day to apply is June 1, 2026.

Project description

In this project we will investigate whether GOLDEN2-Like2 (GLK2) acts as a pioneer transcription factor that unlocks chromatin at photosynthesis-associated loci, thereby enabling full activation of gene expression during plant greening. The establishment of photosynthesis during plant greening requires a large‑scale reorganization of cellular metabolism and a coordinated activation of photosynthesis‑associated nuclear genes (PhANGs). Previous research from Åsa Strand’s research group has revealed a dynamic histone code at these loci, characterized by a developmental shift from the repressive H3K27me3 mark to the activating H3K27ac mark.  The purpose of this project is to test our hypothesis that GLK2 acts as a pioneer transcription factor by assessing GLK2 occupancy at inaccessible chromatin regions, the biophysical properties of GLK2–DNA interactions using single‑molecule C‑Trap force spectroscopy, and the functional consequences of changes in GLK2 activity in planta. By uncovering the mechanisms by which GLK2 regulates chromatin dynamics in response to metabolic transitions such as establishment of photosynthesis, we aim to advance fundamental understanding of plant development and regulation of chromatin compaction.

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.  

The doctoral degree should be in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related subject.

Requirements

The candidate should have extensive laboratory experience with molecular and biochemical methods. The ability to both conduct research independently and collaborate well with the research group is required. Good skills in the English language is also a requirement. 

Experience with analysis of large data sets and ChIP-sequencing is an advantage

Application

The application should contain

• A personal letter that describes your qualifications, experiences, scientific interests, and motivation for application (max 2 pages).
• CV with full publication list.
• Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate or equivalent, or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained.
• Other relevant degree certificates and grades.
• Other documents wished to be claimed.

The application must be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in a single PDF file. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is June 1, 2026.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Åsa Strand (asa.strand@umu.se)