Postdoctoral researcher in chromatin dynamics at extreme desiccation tolerance

Department of Plant Biology

About the job

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our research group at Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) in Uppsala to investigate how plant cells reorganize their nuclei and gene regulatory systems to survive extreme environmental conditions. Some organisms can survive the loss of almost all cellular water by entering a state of suspended life activity, called anhydrobiosis. Orthodox plant seeds and so-called resurrection plants, plants with extreme desiccation tolerance, constitute remarkable examples: differentiated vegetative cells can withstand severe desiccation and subsequently resume normal growth after rehydration. How a differentiated cell can undergo such an extreme physiological transition while simultaneously preserving genome integrity, its cellular identity, and the ability to reactivate gene expression is still not fully understood. The project will investigate changes in chromatin and transcription in connection with the transition to the desiccated state and the recovery from it, using plants with extreme desiccation tolerance and potentially complementary plant systems. We are particularly interested in understanding whether desiccation is accompanied by the establishment of a specialized and reversible chromatin state, how this state contributes to protecting the genome and stopping transcription, and how normal nuclear organization and normal gene expression are restored after rehydration.

The position is linked to the research group led by Dr Stefanie Rosa at the Department of Plant Biology, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU), Uppsala. Our group studies how chromatin organization and dynamics affect the regulation and stability of plant genomes (https://www.slu.se/en/profilepages/r/stefanie-rosa/).

The project offers great freedom to develop a new research direction at the interface of chromatin biology, transcription, cell biology, and tolerance to extreme stress. The successful candidate will have access to advanced microscopy infrastructure at Uppsala BioCenter and work in a collaborative research environment encompassing plant cell biology, genetics, genomics, and developmental biology.

Your background

We are seeking a creative and highly motivated researcher with a PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, or a related field. Previous experience with molecular biological methods, cell biology, and plant developmental biology is meritorious. Good ability to communicate orally and in writing in English is a requirement. You should also have the ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, formulate relevant scientific questions, and collaborate with other researchers. The employment is intended for a junior researcher, and we are primarily seeking individuals who obtained their PhD no more than three years ago. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade unions, service within the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

About us

The department's research is mainly focused on plants, but other organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, yeast cells, and even human cells are also studied. Our main research areas are the interaction between plants and microorganisms as well as other forms of stress; biotechnology and metabolic engineering; plant growth and development; regulation of gene expression; population genetics, genome analysis, and the development of plant breeding systems. The species used include model organisms such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Physcomitrella, tobacco, and yeast, as well as crops such as rapeseed, willow (Salix), potato, barley, rye, wheat, and cassava.

The department is responsible for basic and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cell biology, plant physiology, gene expression, plant breeding, plant biochemistry, and biotechnology, as well as molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. Additionally, the department participates in several other biology courses together with other departments. The courses are part of the master's programs in biotechnology and natural resources as well as educational programs for students in agronomy and landscape architecture, but most courses are also open to external students.

Link to the department's https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/vaxtbiologi-skogsgenetik/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21086656031&gclid=Cj0KCQjw79nUBhCgARIsADSHka20iV0H7QlBK34j0DkJW5t45CE5ipbpdxMtH4AYC0FW4I9PNKBAMZ8aAsNMEALw_wcB.

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:

Uppsala.

Type of employment:

Fixed-term employment 24 months, with possible possibility for extension.

Extent:

100%.

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application no later than September 30, 2026. You submit your application by clicking the button below. The following documents must be attached to the application: The application should contain (1) a cover letter where you describe your research interests and relevant experiences, (2) a CV with a complete publication list, and (3) contact information for two to three references.

Union contact persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites throughout the country. SLU has over 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students, and a turnover of over 4.5 billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campus areas. We work for an equitable and inclusive work environment where open dialogue between people with different experiences lays the foundation for scientificity, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the position.