The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University that is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre invites applicants for a PhD position in plant science to join the research group of Johannes Messinger. The expected starting date is October 1, 2025 or according to agreement.
Last day to apply: 31 July 2025
Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of the strongest research environments for basic plant research in Europe. Research at UPSC covers a wide range of disciplines in plant biology including ecology, computational biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology.
Project description
Photosynthesis drives life on Earth by converting solar light into chemical energy and providing the molecular oxygen we breathe. This doctoral project focuses on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying photosynthetic water oxidation to O2, with special focus on the role of protein-water-cofactor interactions and substrate water binding and exchange at the catalytic site. This will be studied by employing biophysical techniques, such as time-resolved membrane inlet mass spectrometry, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopies, as well as molecular biology for introducing site specific alterations. Atomic level structural insight will be obtained via single particle analysis cryo-EM and snapshot serial crystallography with x-ray free electron lasers. The project may also include theoretical calculations. The PhD student will work within a friendly and open research team that is part of an extended national and international research network. Access and training to state-of-the-art instrumentation will be provided.
Eligibility
To fulfil the general entry requirements for studies at third-cycle level, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at second-cycle level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level.
To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in Plant Science at Umeå Plant Science Centre, the successful candidate must have completed 90 ECTS relevant to the doctoral thesis project. Out of this, at least 30 ECTS have to be in a subject closely related to the research topic of the graduate program. Applicants who have acquired equivalent skills in some other educational system in Sweden or abroad are also eligible.
Qualifications
For this employment we expect you to have an academic background in Plant or Structural Biology, Chemistry, (Bio)physics or a related field. You should also have a strong interest in the molecular details of enzyme catalysis and, specifically, photosynthetic water oxidation. Very good skills in English, both written and spoken is a requirement.
Strong merits include documented experience in studying enzyme mechanisms employing biophysical or structural approaches. Familiarity with molecular biology, biochemistry, theoretical chemistry and/or data management is highly advantageous.
We are looking for a creative and self-driven person who can work independently while also having the personal traits for thriving in and contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research group.
About the employment
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which include participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position. The employment will start on October 1, 2025 or according to agreement.
Application
You apply through Umeå University's recruitment system Varbi following this link: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/open-positions/phd-position-in-plant-science-with-focus-on-photosynthetic-water-oxidation_831440/
Last day to apply is July 31, 2025. Registration number: AN 2.2.1-747-25
The application can be written in English (preferably) or Swedish.
The application should include:
- A cover letter (1-2 pages) including a description of why you are interested in the position
- CV
- Degree certificate and list of completed university courses and grades
- Copies of degree thesis and/or publications.
- Contact details to 2-3 reference persons.
Documents should be sent electronically, in MS Word or PDF format, through the recruitment system Varbi. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.
Contact
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Johannes Messinger,
About the Research Environment at UPSC
The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). UPSC is a centre of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in Northern Sweden. Our mission is to perform excellent and innovative basic research and generate knowledge that benefits forestry, agriculture, environment and society. We work across a wide range of disciplines in plant science reaching from cell biology to ecophysiology and from basic research to industrial applications. Our common goal is to understand the plants’ ability to grow, adapt and acclimate to a changing world and how we can breed better plants.
UPSC belongs to two universities, Umeå University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). About 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work here. We host some 30 principal investigators, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique tree germplasm resources and plant growth facilities. We strive for a collaborative work environment and support our scientists throughout all career stages by providing professional training opportunities and individual career mentoring.
About Umeå University
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.
Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace
We look forward to receiving your application!