PhD in Plant Physiology, Climate Adaptation Modeling, and Quantitative Genetics at Umeå Plant Science Centre Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden

The Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invite applications for a PhD position in plant physiology and heritable climate adaptation modeling. This opportunity is part of the WIFORCE Research School (Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research) and is based in Umeå, Sweden. The successful candidate will join the Kelly Swarts research group and work closely with the labs of Vaughan Hurry, Nathaniel Street, and Yanjun Zan, benefiting from a collaborative and international research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and unique plant resources.

The research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of heritable plastic responses in plants under changing climate conditions. The project will use a combination of plant physiology, quantitative genetics, and bioinformatics to study model species such as Arabidopsis thaliana, European aspen (Populus tremula), and Norway spruce (Picea abies). The aim is to uncover generalizable principles of plasticity and improve genomic prediction models for tree growth and health in future climates. The work is highly interdisciplinary, integrating climate science, genomics, and advanced modeling approaches.

Applicants should have a strong background in plant physiology, genomics, or breeding, ideally with experience across these fields. Required qualifications include coursework in statistics and preferred programming skills. Candidates must be intellectually flexible, strong communicators, and able to work as part of a team. Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Eligibility requires a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification or at least four years of full-time study, including one year at the second-cycle level. Application materials include a CV, degree certificates, transcripts, references, and proof of English proficiency. Non-Swedish citizens must provide a copy of their passport.

The position is a full-time, four-year employment as a PhD student at SLU, with salary and employment benefits according to university standards. The application deadline is 10 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the SLU job portal or contact Kelly Swarts at [email protected]. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in plant science, climate adaptation, and quantitative genetics to contribute to sustainable forestry and biodiversity research in a leading European research environment.