Staff scientist

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Umeå University invests in creative environments for study and work. With us, there are attractive courses, world-leading research and excellent innovation and collaboration opportunities. More than 4,100 employees and 34,000 students have already chosen Umeå University. Choose us too.

Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of Europe's strongest research environments for basic plant research including research on plant ecology, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology and physiology (see www.upsc.se). The Department of plant physiology, which is part of the Umeå Plant Science Center, are now looking for a Staff scientist. The employment is limited to 12 months with starting date the 1 December 2024 or according to agreement. 

Temperatures below or above the physiological optimum for plant growth induce temperature stress, which can cause detrimental and irreversible damage to plant growth and development. While most of the studies to date have focused on big-picture elements of plant responses to climate change, our research will provide insights into the molecular and cellular responses, to improve our mechanistic understanding of plant acclimation to heat and cold stress. The project will mainly work with the root of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana and will combine state-of-the-art approaches, e.g. various microscopy techniques, molecular and cell biology and biochemistry. The work includes high-resolution confocal microscopy and a detailed analysis plasma membrane composition and dynamics. The tasks also include the performing immunolocalizations as well as finding interactors by pulling down proteins that can regulate PN mediated auxin transport.

We are seeking a highly motivated plant biologist with excellent skills in confocal microscopy. A doctoral degree in molecular biology, plant physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, or equivalent is required. Prior expertise in spectroscopic techniques such as FCS and FCCS, hands-on experience with Dynamic Profiler, and proficiency in super-resolution (Airyscan) and Light sheet microscopy is also a requirement. The candidate must have demonstrated expertise in in situ whole mount immunolocalizations and proficiency in biochemical techniques like western blot and Co-IP, which are necessary for this project. The ideal candidate must be familiar with Arabidopsis thaliana root and have a good knowledge of English. Moreover, the candidate must be capable of independently planning, executing and evaluating experiments or theoretical work. Enthusiasm, responsibility, and excellent collaborative skills are important attributes for the position. Previous experience with crop roots is an asset.

The application should contain:

• A personal letter in which you describe yourself and your research interests as well as why you are interested in and suitable for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) and list of published scientific articles
• Certified copies of grades and diplomas
• Copies of relevant work such as dissertations or publications

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the webpage. All attached documents must be in MS Word or PDF format. Welcome with your application no later than the 13 of June 2024.

The employment is fulltime and is limited to 12 months. Starting date the 1 December 2024 or according to agreement.

For more information, please contact Olivier Keech ([email protected])

Welcome with your application!

Umeå University wants to offer an equal and equal environment where open conversations between people with different backgrounds and perspectives lay the foundation for learning, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and experiences to apply for the current position.