Postdoctoral scholarship (2 years) within plant mitochondrial biology
The Department of Plant Physiology is offering a postdoctoral scholarship within the project ‘Regulation of energy metabolism by the 26S proteasome’. The scholarship refers to full-time studies for two years, starting October 1, 2025, or according to agreement. The last day for application is September 1, 2025.
The Carl Tryggers Foundation (CTS24-3637) funds this two-year postdoctoral scholarship. The scholarship amounts to 336 000 SEK per year and is not subject to tax. The grant also provides an additional 106 000 SEK per year of running costs. The PI covers the additional running costs for the project.
Departmental specific information
The Department of Plant Physiology is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC; www.upsc.se), which has around 200 researchers working on various aspects of plants biology. UPSC is one of Europe's strongest research environments for plant research, which notably includes ecology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see http://www.upsc.se ). Our common goal is to understand the ability of plants to adapt and acclimate to a changing world.
For more information about Olivier Keech’s research group, see:
In eukaryotic cells, mitochondria have essential functions supporting the energy metabolism. In plants, and notably in leaves, mitochondria contribute to the production of ATP, provision of intermediates for biosynthetic pathways as well as to redox regulations. As metabolic hubs, their role in the cell’s adaptation to sub-optimal or stress conditions is crucial. However, our understanding of the role played by mitochondria in integrating and regulating the cell’s response to certain stresses remains incomplete, and a better characterisation of the signalling and regulatory mechanisms controlling sub-cellular metabolism is necessary.
The project aims to increase our understanding of mitochondrial functions in cellular metabolism, particularly during leaf senescence, and subsequent cell death. The main scientific approach will be based on the study of mutant/ transgenic plants affected in their 26S proteasome system. The research project will include molecular and biochemical approaches, cell biology (confocal laser microscopy) as well as physiological studies at the whole plant level. Applications of several -omics methods will be important and will be made in collaboration with several facilities.
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 prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
Doctoral degree or equivalent should be in plant genetics, plant molecular biology, or plant developmental biology.
Strong experience in plant genetics, standard molecular biology techniques, plant physiology and developmental biology is required. Excellent oral and writing skills in English are required.
Good knowledge of cell biology and confocal microscopy is a merit and would be appreciated, as well as previous experience with the 26S proteasome. The postdoctoral scholar is expected to have good social skills and the ability to function well both independently and in a team. We value creativity and the ability to communicate and take initiative.
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 e-recruitment system Varbi and submitted by the deadline September 1, 2025.
The application should contain:
A personal letter, max two pages, that describes your qualifications, research interests, and motivation for the application.
A CV with a complete list of publications/conference attendance/patents. Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained.
Contact information for two referees.
Other documents wished to claim.
Further information can be obtained from Olivier Keech (olivier.keech@umu.se)
