PhD position in Forest Tree Genomics

Om jobbet

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Third-cycle subject area: Biology

Description of the doctoral project

As forests increasingly face challenges brought on by a rapidly changing environment, it is important to address these problems from multiple angles. There is growing awareness of the potential usefulness of genetic data in forest management, but much is unknown about the genomics of non-model plant species like many forest trees.

The McEvoy Lab draws from a variety of new approaches to develop a better understanding of how genomic diversity is distributed in forest tree species, how it has evolved, and implications for the future. Methods range from:

studying genomic characteristics that drive genome evolution

examining variation critical for survival and fitness, such as enhanced disease resistance

assessing and characterizing genetic diversity and population dynamics

demonstrating how this information can be used to help inform conservation or breeding programs

About the position

This PhD project will focus on forest tree evolution, adaptation, and genetic diversity in forests of Sweden and beyond. You will gain training in:

genome biology and evolutionary genomics

population genetics and conservation genomics

computational analysis of large datasets

The work will primarily be computational in nature, requiring development of a broad technical skillset. This project is ideal for candidates interested in bioinformatics, evolution, and exploring how genomics can be applied to real-world challenges.

Requirements

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).

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, at least 30 of which 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

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in using computational genomics to study forests in Sweden, Europe, and beyond. A qualifying background and personal skills includes:

A master's degree in evolution and ecology, genomics, population genetics, plant or forest sciences or a closely related field

Excellent written and oral English and general communication skills

The ability to be detail-oriented and work in a structured, quality-conscious manner

The flexibility to work independently, with self-initiative, as well as collaboratively

Ability and eagerness to learn new methods and a strong interest in developing both computational and analytical skills

Desirable qualifications:

Experience with genomic or transcriptomic data analysis, especially of plant species

Basic understanding of genomics, evolution or population genetics theory

Evidence of technical skills and interest (e.g., writing code, using git, HPC experience)

Understanding of basic statistical methods

Demonstrated ability to review and synthesize literature into scientific concepts

About us

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.

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 http://www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/

Form of employment / Funding

Employment as a doctoral student, 4-year programme

Doctoral student's salaries are set following the local collective agreement. Salary progression is fixed.

Location:

Umeå

Scope:

100%

Start date:

Upon agreement

Application and selection:

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 15 05 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant's ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

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