Postdoc in carbon allocation in trees

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC, https://www.upsc.se/), which is a center of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in northern Sweden. UPSC aims to conduct excellent and innovative fundamental research and create knowledge for the benefit of forestry, agriculture, the environment, and society. We study plants from the cellular level up to ecophysiology, and from fundamental research to industrial applications. We seek to understand the ability of plants to grow, adapt, and acclimatize to a changing world—knowledge that can lead to better plant varieties, cultivation practices, or industrial processes.

A postdoctoral position is available in the Niittylä group at the Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden, to study carbon allocation in trees using hybrid aspen as a model system.

About the job

Trees constitute the single most important carbon sink on the planet. An incomplete mechanistic understanding of carbon sequestration in wood limits our ability to predict the capacity of trees to assimilate CO₂ and optimize the production of sustainable wood-based materials and fuels. This project will address this problem by investigating metabolic fluxes in aspen using innovative metabolomics and isotope techniques.

Your background

Applicants should hold a PhD 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 important, and previous experience in metabolomics and primary plant metabolism is highly desirable. Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is a requirement.

About us

UPSC consists of two institutions belonging to two universities, Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/) and Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU; https://www.slu.se/). Here, approximately 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work. We have about 30 group leaders, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique resources for e.g. 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.

Type of employment:

Fixed-term employment, 6 months special fixed-term employment.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

2026-10-01 or by agreement.

Application:

Please submit your application via the application button below no later than 2026-08-28.

Union contact persons:

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

Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and the 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 forms the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to apply for this position.