Research Engineer for Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology

The Department of forest genetics and plant physiology is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC, https://www.upsc.se) which 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.

About the position

In this project you will develop and apply statistical and genetic models: Research-focused work on creating and using advanced models for genomic selection to improve breeding programs in plant and animal breeding. You will analyze genetic data: Use bioinformatic and genomic methods to process and interpret large-scale genetic data (e.g. from genotyping). You will implement and evaluate selection methods: Test and optimize new methods for precision breeding in practical or simulated improvement programs. You will work with research publication and communication: Document and publish research results in international scientific journals and present them at conferences (internal and external contact points within academia). You will participate in research projects: Actively contribute to ongoing and future groundbreaking research projects in the field of precision breeding and genetic improvement, often in close collaboration with other researchers.

Your profile

• Formal requirement: Doctoral degree (PhD) in quantitative genetics, tree breeding, biometrics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or related field.

• Expertise & Experience:

o Documented expertise in quantitative genetics with a focus on modeling for genomic selection.

o Practical experience in developing, applying and evaluating advanced statistical/genetic models.

o Experience in analyzing large-scale genetic data with bioinformatic/metagenomic methods.

o Experience in precision breeding/genetic improvement (trees).

o Documented experience in scientific publishing (significant co-authorship).

• Personal qualities (requirements): Self-motivated, creative, analytical, excellent collaboration and communication skills (written & spoken).

• Merits: Experience in tree breeding, knowledge of selection algorithms/predictive models, programming skills, experience in breeding simulation, first authorship, conference presentations, strong problem-solving skills, multitasking, enthusiasm.

About us

UPSC belongs to two universities, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences 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.

Read more about our benefits and working at SLU by visiting: https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Location:

Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SLU, Umeå.

Form of employment:

Fixed-term employment 12 months

Scope:

100%

Start date:

2025-09-01 or as agreed.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 20 June 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Union representatives:

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

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.