Umeå Plant Science Center is offering a 2-year postdoctoral scholarship in the newly established McEvoy Lab to study the genomics of forest trees with a focus on evolution and adaptation using computational approaches. We seek a candidate with strong computational aptitude and an interest in developing and applying innovative approaches to forest genomics. The postdoc is going to be placed at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre.
Last day to apply: 28 February 2026
Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is a research centre in Umeå, Sweden where research of both basic and strategic importance is conducted on all organization levels of the plant with a common goal to understand the plant as a complex organism in dynamic interaction with its environment.
Project description
The primary project involves identifying selective sweeps in multiple forest tree species maintained in genetic conservation units across Europe. This is an opportunity for a first author paper in population genomics, working with well-established European colleagues and a broad international audience. SNPs filtered from target-capture sequence data are ready and available for analyses. The role provides access to a high-performance computing cluster and bioinformatic support where needed.
Other secondary projects are available depending on the time and interest of the applicant. These projects range from assembly and annotation of genomes, development of an angiosperm tree pan-genome, gymnosperm phylogenetics, comparative genomics across forest tree species, or population genomics of forest trees. Development of projects and proposals of your own interest are encouraged and supported.
Beyond research, you will be expected to contribute to writing manuscripts, presenting research at UPSC and at conferences, and contributing to the UPSC community via journal clubs, seminars, etc.
The McEvoy lab is looking for its founding members (https://www.upsc.se/susan_mcevoy). Initial work will be in close collaboration with the PI. We will soon hire a doctoral student, so there will be additional opportunities for cooperation and mentoring over time. UPSC is a diverse organization, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment.
Qualifications
We seek a highly motivated candidate who can take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively. Excellent communication skills are required, with strong written and oral English.
Requirements:
- Doctoral degree in biology or equivalent at the time of starting the position
- Knowledge in the topics of population genetics and/or plant genomics
- Demonstrated interest and experience in computational work
- Familiarity with installing and running bioinformatic tools in a Linux environment
- Familiarity with scripting (Bash, R, etc)
Desired:
- Background in relevant focal areas such as plant stress response, adaptation, conservation
- Publication record in relevant research areas
Compensation
This scholarship is funded by a stipend from the WIFORCE program. At SLU, fellows receive a tax-free stipend for research purposes and are not considered employees. The stipend provides financial support, but it is not a salary and does not include employee benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, or pension. Non-EU/EEA citizens must apply for and be granted a residence permit for research before entering Sweden and starting the work. You will be provided a Swedish coordination number for public benefits provided to residents such as medical care.
Application
Please submit the following items by Feb 28, 2026, to
- CV
- cover letter
- contact information for three references
Further information
For more information contact Susan McEvoy (
https://www.upsc.se/susan_mcevoy
About the Research Environment at UPSC
The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology
The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) 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.
Umeå Plant Science Centre
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.
Postdocs at Umeå Plant Science Centre
Umeå has a strong postdoc community organised in the Umeå Postdoc Society (UPS). UPS fosters networking amongst postdocs, organises social and career development events and works towards improving the postdoc experience in Umeå. Check out their website https://umeapostdocs.com/ and do not hesitate to get in contact with them!
The Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (WIFORCE)
Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. WIFORCE was created as a coherent basic science research program to address large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools in order to both sustainably use and safeguard forest biodiversity. https://www.slu.se/en/wiforce
We look forward to receiving your application!