A postdoctoral scholarship is available at the Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå Plant Science Centre: a stimulating research environment at Umeå University. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for Åsa Strand´s research group, where the research will focus on the regulation of nuclear encoded photosynthesis genes.
Last day to apply: 1 June 2026
Project description
In this project we will investigate whether GOLDEN2-Like2 (GLK2) acts as a pioneer transcription factor that unlocks chromatin at photosynthesis-associated loci, thereby enabling full activation of gene expression during plant greening. The establishment of photosynthesis during plant greening requires a large‑scale reorganization of cellular metabolism and a coordinated activation of photosynthesis‑associated nuclear genes (PhANGs).
Previous research from Åsa Strand’s research group has revealed a dynamic histone code at these loci, characterized by a developmental shift from the repressive H3K27me3 mark to the activating H3K27ac mark. The purpose of this project is to test our hypothesis that GLK2 acts as a pioneer transcription factor by assessing GLK2 occupancy at inaccessible chromatin regions, the biophysical properties of GLK2–DNA interactions using single‑molecule C‑Trap force spectroscopy, and the functional consequences of changes in GLK2 activity in planta. By uncovering the mechanisms by which GLK2 regulates chromatin dynamics in response to metabolic transitions such as establishment of photosynthesis, we aim to advance fundamental understanding of plant development and regulation of chromatin compaction.
Qualification
To qualify as a postdoctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirement must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no later than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree before that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organisations, military service or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
The doctoral degree should be in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related subject.
Requirements
The candidate should have extensive laboratory experience with molecular and biochemical methods. The ability to both conduct research independently and collaborate well with the research group is required. Good skills in the English language is also a requirement.
Experience with analysis of large data sets and ChIP-sequencing is an advantage.
Application
The application should contain:
- A personal letter that describes your qualifications, experiences, scientific interests, and motivation for application (max 2 pages).
- CV with full publication list.
- Certified copies of doctoral degree certificate or equivalent, or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained.
- Other relevant degree certificates and grades.
- Other documents wished to be claimed.
The application must be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application is made through Umeå University's electronic recruitment system: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/postdoctoral-scholarships/postdoctoral-scholarship-2-years-in-plant-molecular-biology_931881/.
Documents sent electronically must be in a single PDF file. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is June 1, 2026.
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Åsa Strand (
About the Research Environment at UPSC
The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University, 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, Umeå University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). About 200 people from more than 45 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.
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!
About Umeå University
Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 41,500 students and about 4,600 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!