Research engineer position – galactosyl hydrolases and transferases in plant cell wall biosynthesis

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

A research engineer position is available in the Niittylä group (www.upsc.se/totte_niittyla) at the Umeå Plant Science Center (UPSC), Sweden to join a project studying the role of galactans in cell wall biosynthesis using Populus and Arabidopsis as model systems. The work will involve characterization of arabinogalactan protein glycosylation and identification of the GH43 and CAGE targets using cell biology tools, proteomics and state-of-the-art cell wall analysis techniques established at the UPSC biopolymer analytical platform.

Your profile

Applicants should have a PhD and postdoctoral experience in molecular plant biology and glycan biochemistry and an interest to carry out experimental plant research on cell walls. Experience on cell wall research, microscopy and glycoprotein analysis and molecular biology methods in Arabidopsis and/or Populus is of merit. Good written and oral communication skills in English are required.

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:

Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

1 November 2026 or as agreed.

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 24 August 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

The application should include (1) motivation letter, (2) CV with full publication list, (3) copies of the relevant degree certificates, (4) a description of research experiences and interests, as well as (5) name of persons willing to act as referees.

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 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 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.