Postdoc in Chromatin Dynamics During Extreme Desiccation Tolerance

Department of Plant Biology

About the position

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, to investigate how plant cells reorganize their nuclei and gene regulatory systems to survive extreme environmental conditions. Some organisms can survive the loss of almost all cellular water by entering a state of suspended animation known as anhydrobiosis. Orthodox plant seeds and resurrection plants provide remarkable examples: differentiated vegetative cells can tolerate severe desiccation and subsequently resume normal growth following rehydration. How a differentiated cell can undergo such an extreme physiological transition while preserving genome integrity, cellular identity and the capacity to reactivate gene expression remains poorly understood. The project will investigate chromatin and transcriptional changes associated with entry into and recovery from the desiccated state, using resurrection plants and potentially complementary plant systems. We are particularly interested in understanding whether desiccation is accompanied by the establishment of a specialized and reversible chromatin state, how this state contributes to genome protection and transcriptional arrest, and how normal nuclear organisation and gene expression are restored following rehydration

The position is affiliated with the research group led by Dr. Stefanie Rosa at the Department of Plant Biology, SLU, Uppsala. Our group studies how chromatin organisation and dynamics influence genome regulation and genome stability in plants (website).

The project offers considerable freedom to shape a new research direction at the interface of chromatin biology, transcription, cell biology and extreme stress tolerance. The successful candidate will have access to advanced microscopy infrastructure at Uppsala BioCenter and will work in a collaborative environment spanning plant cell biology, genetics, genomics and developmental biology.

Your profile

We are looking for a creative and highly motivated researcher with a PhD in plant biology, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics or a related field. Prior experiences with molecular biology methods, cell biology and plant developmental biology are assets. Good oral and written communication skills in English are expected. You should also have the ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, ask relevant scientific questions and collaborate with other researchers. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions for junior researchers, we are primarily looking for candidates with a doctoral degree that is three years old at most.

About us

The research of the department focusses on plants, but other organisms such as virus, bacteria, fungi, insects, yeast cells and even human cells are also studied. Our main areas or research are: the interaction between plants and microorganisms, and other forms of stress; biotechnology and metabolic engineering; growth and development of plants; the regulation of gene expression; population genetics, genome analysis and the development of breeding systems. Species in use are model organisms such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Physcomitrella, tobacco and yeast, and crops such as rapeseed, basket willow (Salix), potato, barley, rye, wheat and cassava.

The department is responsible for basic courses and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, gene technology, cell biology, plant physiology, gene expression, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology, molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. Besides, the department contributes to various other biology courses together with other departments. The courses are part of the masters programs in biotechnology and natural resources, and the programs for students in agriculture and landscape architecture, but most courses are open for external students as well. 

Link to the department's website.

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

Location:

Uppsala.

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%.

Start date:

Autumn 2026, as agreed. 

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline 30 September 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.  
Specific documents to be attached to the application: The application must contain (1) a motivation letter describing your research interests and relevant experience; (2) CV with full publication list, (3) contact information of two to three 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.