Postdoctoral Researcher in Carbon Allocation in Trees

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC, https://www.upsc.se/), a center of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in northern Sweden. UPSC aims to conduct excellent and innovative basic research and create knowledge for the benefit of forestry, agriculture, environment, and society. We study plants from the cellular level to ecophysiology, and from basic research to industrial applications. We strive to understand plants' ability to grow, adapt, and acclimate to a changing world—knowledge that can lead to improved plant varieties, cultivation practices, or industrial processes. A postdoctoral position is available in the Niittylä group at Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden, to study carbon allocation in trees using hybrid aspen as a model system. About the Position Trees represent the single most important carbon sink on the planet. An incomplete mechanistic understanding of carbon storage in wood limits our ability to predict trees' capacity to assimilate CO₂ and optimize production of sustainable wood-based materials and fuels. This project will address this challenge by investigating metabolic fluxes in aspen using innovative metabolomics and isotope techniques. Your Background Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry, or plant physiology, and have a genuine interest in conducting experimental plant research. Laboratory skills in molecular biology are essential, and previous experience with metabolomics and plant primary metabolism is highly desirable. Fluent English in speech and writing is required. About Us UPSC consists of two departments belonging to two universities: Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/) and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU; https://www.slu.se/). Approximately 200 people of more than 40 different nationalities work here. We have around 30 group leaders, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique resources for tree genomics, and plant cultivation facilities. We strive to create a work environment that promotes collaboration and supports our researchers throughout their careers, including through training and individual career guidance. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ Location: Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, Umeå. Employment Type: Fixed-term employment, 6 months. Extent: 100% Start Date: 2026-10-01 or by agreement. Application: Welcome to submit your application via the application button below no later than 2026-08-28. Trade Union Representatives: https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in developing a sustainable future, grounded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible management of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted at research stations, experimental farms, and educational facilities throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and an annual turnover exceeding 4.5 billion kronor. The university is committed to creating attractive environments on its campus areas. We work to foster an equal and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.

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