A PhD position is available in Peter Kindgren's research group at Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). The PhD student will join the WIFORCE Research School and is going to be placed at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, that is part of UPSC.
Last day to apply: 10 February 2026
Project description
Our society is facing a big challenge when we need to switch from a fossil fuel dependent economy to a sustainable alternative. An especially difficult challenge is faced by the forest industry that in addition must adapt to a rapidly changing climate. Further, the frequency of extreme weather events will only increase in the future. The Swedish Forest is a large part of the prosperity in Sweden, but despite the importance of trees, we know little of how they use their DNA sequence to cope stressful situation and ongoing climate change.
Our research will use Norway spruce and Scots pine to investigate how these trees adapt their RNA synthesis (transcription) during their life cycle. We will utilize numerous modern sequencing techniques to study transcription initiation and termination during several years in growing spruces and pines that are exposed to stress. The project includes both wet lab work and bioinformatic analysis. With our research, we will increase our understanding of how climate change can regulate the growth and development of trees.
Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas, or equivalent qualifications. The candidate must have completed 90 ECTS credits with relevance to biology and at least 15 ECTS credits in a subject closely related to the research topic as well as an independent project work of at least 15 ECTS credits in an area relevant for the project.
It is desirable that the applicant has a background in bioinformatics and/or plant cell and molecular biology. Furthermore, good oral and writing skills in English are essential qualifications. The candidate will work in a research group with 6-7 members and is expected to work both independent and as part of a team in an engaging manner. In the research group, communication and teamwork are important. Therefore, we are looking for candidates that are outgoing, that demonstrate initiative, are passionate for research and are curious. In our recruitment, we primarily do a qualitative assessment of the candidate who has the best prospects to do a doctorate education.
Application
Please submit your application through SLU's electronic recruitment system ReachMee by clicking the "Apply for this position" button at the bottom of this page: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/jobs-and-vacancies/doktorand6/
Application deadline: 10 February 2026
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.
Read about the PhD education at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/
Contact
For more information contact Peter Kindgren (
About the WIFORCE Research School
Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join WIFORCE Research School!
Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. That’s why the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (www.slu.se/en/wiforce), was created.
About the Research Environment at UPSC
The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology at SLU, where the position will be located, 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, SLU and Umeå University. 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 the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 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.
We look forward to receiving your application!