Postdoctoral researcher in sweetpotato molecular genetics

Department of Plant Breeding

About the position

Subject description

Our group is developing molecular breeding methods to generate sweetpotato germplasm that is adapted to cultivation in Scandinavia. We are testing early-maturing sweetpotato clones under short-day (10 hrs) and long-day (16 hrs) conditions in climate-controlled growth chamber to measure the physiological response and to elucidate the genetic response pathways leading to flowering and/or storage root induction under different day lengths. We aim to identify differentially expressed genes and to verify their functions through targeted mutagenesis. We have also identified in the greenhouse a spontaneous mutant with constitutive signalling to flower, which will be subject to further investigation. We are developing the protocols for CRISPR/Cas-based targeted mutagenesis in this hexaploid crop, mainly focusing on a non-transgenic approach in protoplasts. For this purpose, we are currently developing the protocols for protoplast isolation and regeneration through somatic embryogenesis.

 Work duties

The main duties involved in this position is to conduct research. The tasks are to support the sweetpotato project by 1) identifying and verifying key genes in the photoperiod-responsive signalling pathways to storage root induction in sweetpotato, and 2) developing CRISPR/Cas-based mutagenesis to generate sweetpotato plants with an adequate root growth under long-day (+16 hrs) conditions. You will work closely to two other researchers: one with tissue culture expertise and one with practical plant breeding expertise.

The work duties include:

• Plan, design, execute and analyse experiments;
• Maintenance of sweetpotato in greenhouse and climate chamber:
• In vitro tissue culture;
• Protoplast isolation, transfection and culture;
• Molecular biology methods incl DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, electrophoresis, cloning etc;
• CRISPR/Cas construct design, transfections and mutation screening;
• Bioinformatics incl RNAseq analysis;
• Genetic pathway reconstruction;
• Supervision of MSc student degree projects;
• Write and submit scientific manuscripts;
• Actively seek additional external research funding;
• International collaboration with research partners.

Your profile

Qualification requirements

• You must have a PhD in agriculture, biological sciences, or plant breeding, preferably with a strong component of plant molecular biology and genetics. As postdoctoral appointments are career-developing positions, priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application;
• You must have extensive experience working with plant molecular biology methods;
• You must have good knowledge in molecular genetics analysis, genetic pathway reconstruction and plant physiology;
• You must have experience working with CRISPR/Cas mutagenesis in plants;
• You must have experience in bioinformatics, in particular transcriptomics data sets;
• You must be able to work well independently as well as to collaborate in groups and have good overall communication skills, including the ability to communicate and write well in English.

Additional qualifications

• Experience from growth chamber, greenhouse and field, and preferably with sweetpotato (or with other roots or tubers);
• Sound understanding of multidisciplinary tasks in relation to plant breeding, and experience collaborating with plant breeders and growers;
• It is highly advantageous to have led research projects;
• Experience in teaching and supervision of students.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the specific subject/project.

About us

SLU’s Dept of Plant Breeding focuses on research, education and innovation of strategic importance for a sustainable and profitable cultivation of crops for food, feed and industrial products in a changing climate. The Dept has three areas: Plant Breeding, Plant Biotechnology, and Plant Product Quality. The Dept utilises a wide range of techniques from field experiments to genetics, genomics, phenomics, gene editing, biochemistry, physiology and modelling.

For more information about the department or division visit: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/plant-breeding/

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

Location:

Alnarp

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Scope:

100%

Start date:

September 1st, 2025 or as agreed

Application:

Please submit your application before deadline June 30, 2025. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.

Please submit the following documents:

1. CV
2. Letter (maximum 1,000 words) describing an ambitious but realistic work plan addressing the two tasks stated in the “Work duties”, based on what you know from the “Subject description”, and with particular emphasis on how your competence makes you the best candidate to carry out this research.

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.