Hannele Tuominen
10 months ago
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PhD Position in Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Wood Formation in Forest Trees (Plant Biology, Molecular Biology) Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Sweden
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
The position is a full-time, four-year employment as a PhD student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The employment is time-limited and includes salary and benefits according to university standards. No specific stipend amount or tuition coverage details are provided.
Deadline
Expired
Country
Sweden
University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
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About this position
The Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) invite applications for a PhD position in nitrogen use efficiency and wood formation in forest trees. This opportunity is part of the WIFORCE Research School, a Wallenberg Initiative in Forest Research, and is based in Umeå, Sweden. The research group, led by Professor Hannele Tuominen, focuses on experimental plant research and forest biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on molecular biology, plant systems, and genomics.
The PhD project aims to investigate nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in aspen trees using integrative genomic analysis, including automated phenotyping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS). The research will identify genetic variation in NUE and candidate genes, which will be functionally validated in transgenic trees. The project also involves high-resolution analyses of wood chemical, structural, and mechanical properties to understand how NUE influences wood quality. The ultimate goal is to develop genetic markers and breeding strategies for improved NUE, promoting sustainable forestry and short-rotation cultivation of deciduous trees in agriculture.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, engineering, or a related field. Required skills include excellent English proficiency, experience in molecular biology and plant systems, and knowledge of statistics (e.g., R). Additional merits include experience with plant nitrogen physiology, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics. The position offers a full-time, four-year employment contract with structured training, professional development, and access to state-of-the-art research facilities in a highly international environment.
To apply, candidates must submit their application via the SLU portal, including a CV, degree certificates, transcripts, references, and proof of English proficiency. The application deadline is 10 February 2026. For more information, visit the official job posting or contact Professor Hannele Tuominen at SLU.
Keywords: plant biology, forest biology, molecular biology, nitrogen use efficiency, wood formation, genomics, bioinformatics, forest biotechnology, genetic markers, tree breeding.
Funding details
The position is a full-time, four-year employment as a PhD student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The employment is time-limited and includes salary and benefits according to university standards. No specific stipend amount or tuition coverage details are provided.
What's required
Applicants must have a Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, engineering, or an equivalent field. Excellent spoken and written English skills are required. Experience in molecular biology, plant systems, and knowledge of statistics (e.g., R) are necessary. The ability to collaborate in a strong research environment, motivation for doctoral studies, and willingness to develop the project with the research group are important. Previous experience with plant nitrogen physiology, trees as a model system, genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics are considered valuable merits. Non-Swedish citizens must provide a copy of their passport. Applicants are selected based on their application, CV, degree project, certificates, transcripts, references, and English proficiency.
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Professors
Professor
Sweden
Research Interests
Crop Science
Botany
Plant Biology
Cell Wall
Plant Biochemistry
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.