Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant Stress and Nitrogen Metabolism

Department of Forest Ecology and Management

Scientific background

Plants do more with organic nitrogen than use it for growth. Amino acids and their derivatives can also be diverted into signalling pathways that shape development and help plants respond to environmental stress. We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate how this redirection of organic nitrogen metabolism is regulated and what it means for plant stress tolerance.

About the position

The project explores the links between organic nitrogen metabolism, metabolic regulation and downstream signalling cascades, and their roles in plant responses to abiotic and biotic challenges, including pathogen attack. The work will combine physiological, biochemical, molecular and advanced imaging approaches, using Arabidopsis thaliana alongside crop species in sterile, hydroponic and soil-based systems. The position is particularly suitable for a candidate who wishes to build an independent research profile at the interface of plant nutrition, metabolic signalling and stress biology

Key responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

Plan and carry out experiments on plant growth, development and stress responses under controlled conditions

Use chemical and genetic approaches to manipulate organic nitrogen metabolism and signalling

Perform gene expression, metabolite and biochemical analyses

Carry out microscopy-based analyses, including confocal and two-photon imaging

Develop and run stress and infection mimicking bioassays as well as nematode assays

Analyse and interpret data, and publish results in international scientific journals

Contribute to experimental planning and take an active part in the group’s national and international collaborations, and in the supervision of students

Your profile

Required qualifications

PhD in plant biology, plant physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or a closely related discipline.

Documented experience with experimental plant research, experimental design and data analysis

Documented scientific publishing in international peer-reviewed journals

Ability to plan, execute and document experiments independently

Very good written and spoken English

Meritorious qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered a strong advantage:

Gene expression analysis, particularly qRT-PCR

In vitro sterile culture techniques

Work with Arabidopsis thaliana and crop species

Two-photon microscopy and advanced confocal microscopy

Hydroponic cultivation and soil-based treatments

Mass spectrometry (MS) and metabolite analysis

Phytopathology and plant–pathogen interactions

Bioassay development and implementation, particularly nematode culture and infection assays

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as curiosity, independence, problem-solving ability and the ability to work well with others.

As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most. If there are special circumstances, such a degree may have been awarded earlier. Special circumstances include leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust within trade union organizations, service within the total defence system, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or other employment/assignments relevant to the subject area.

About us

The position is based at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at SLU in Umeå, within the research group led by Professor Torgny Näsholm. The group investigates plant nitrogen nutrition, with a particular focus on the acquisition and utilization of organic nitrogen and their roles in plant physiology and growth. The project will be supervised day to day by Dr Ioanna Antoniadi-Nilsson.

The Postdoc. will be employed at The Department of Forest Ecology and Management. The department includes about 120 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future.

For more information: http://www.slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Umeå is a leading centre for plant science, with a highly collaborative, international research environment and modern facilities for plant growth, imaging and analytics. The candidate will have opportunities to develop an independent scientific profile, gain supervision experience and build an international network.

Location:

Umeå

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 36 months

Scope:

100%

Start date:

January 1 2027 or by agreement

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 26 November 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Applications cannot be submitted through the recruitment system on 20–22 November due to a system update.

The application should be written in English and include:

A cover letter (max. 1 page) describing your motivation, research interests and how your experience fits the project

A CV, including a publication list

Copies of relevant degree certificates

Contact details of two or three referees

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction 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. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.