PhD position in Chromatin Organisation in Plants – MSCA Doctoral Network

PhD position in Chromatin Organisation in Plants – MSCA Doctoral Network

Biology

Description of the doctoral project
This project is part of the AGILE consortium (Advanced Training for Next Generation Scientists in Spatio-Temporal Imaging of Plant Cells), funded by the MSCA Doctoral Networks. For our project, we are looking for a motivated PhD student to investigate the functional connection between physical clustering and epigenetic silencing of the major flowering regulator FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) locus. Our previous findings revealed that cold-induced epigenetic silencing of FLC is accompanied by the physical clustering of FLC alleles, suggesting a coordinated mechanism linking chromatin organization with gene expression regulation, but the cellular mechanisms promoting this reorganization are still unknown.

The candidate will receive interdisciplinary training in advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis, developing a highly competitive skillset at the interface of cell biology, epigenetics and quantitative biology. The programme includes advanced training and networking opportunities across Europe.

Applications must be submitted through the AGILE webpage (https://www.msca-agile.eu/), where detailed information about the project and the AGILE consortium is available.

About the position

The project combines advanced microscopy, genetics and chromatin biochemistry. The position is affiliated with the research group led by Dr. Stefanie Rosa at the Department of Plant Biology, SLU Uppsala, Sweden Website.

Those employed as doctoral students will focus on their third-cycle (doctoral) courses and study programmes. As a doctoral student, you will operate independently and must be prepared to contribute to your department’s work and development in various ways. Upon agreement, you may have to participate in departmental duties involving teaching and administration. These duties may take up to a maximum of 20 per cent of your full working hours. If you participate in these duties, your period of study will be extended.

Requirements

To be admitted to third-cycle courses and study programmes you must fulfil both the general and specific entry requirements (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 35).
To meet the general entry requirements you must have:

• been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification;
• satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).
• Applicants must not have resided OR worked in Sweden during the last three years (or less than 12 months).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in Biology. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have at least 90 HEC in biology-related subjects. This must include a degree project and at least 30 HEC must be at second-cycle level.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Your profile

Four years of university-level education, including one year at the MSc level. Obtained degrees should be related to molecular biology, cell biology, plant physiology, developmental biology or related topics. Excellent English communication and writing skills are necessary as it is the working language in the hosting group. Prior practical experience in plant molecular biology, cell biology and genetics are assets.

About us

The Department of Plant Biology focuses mainly on plants, while also studying organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, yeast, and human cells. Its main research areas include plant-microorganism interactions and stress, biotechnology and metabolic engineering, plant growth and development, gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis, and breeding systems. The department also offers basic and advanced courses in genetics, gene technology, cell biology, plant physiology, plant breeding, biochemistry, and biotechnology. These courses support master’s programs in biotechnology and natural resources, as well as agriculture and landscape architecture, and many are also open to external students.

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment / Funding
Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme).

Location:
Uppsala.

Scope:
100%.

Start date:
Upon agreement. 

Application and selection:
Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 30 April 2026.

Your application must include the following (in PDF format):

• A cover letter, in which you describe the reasons why you are applying for the position, your research interests and relevant skills.
• Your CV.
• Copies of your degree certificate(s) and a transcript of records from previous university studies.
• The contact details of two references, such as teachers, supervisors or a former manager.
• Before a decision is made regarding admission to third-cycle (doctoral) studies, applicants with foreign citizenship must present a certified copy of their passport. The certified copy should be brought to the interview and shown at the time of the interview.
• If available (required when applying for admission):
  • A copy of your second cycle (Master’s) degree project, worth a minimum of 15 credits, or equivalent independent project.
  • Documents confirming you meet the English language requirements of Engelska B/6 or the equivalent. Please note that you don't need to submit this information, if you completed your upper-secondary studies in Sweden, or have been awarded a Master’s degree from a Swedish higher education institution.

Candidates will be selected from those eligible based on the above information and the likelihood that they will complete their studies within the allocated period.

Union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

Kontaktperson

Stefanie Rosa

Universitetslektor

Stefanie.Rosa@slu.se