Postdoctoral Fellowship: Postdoctoral position in Plant Evolutionary Genomics and Pangenomics

About the position

A postdoctoral position in plant evolutionary genomics is available in the Yant Lab at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. The Yant Lab develops computational and genomic approaches to study evolution, adaptation, genome dynamics, and whole-genome duplication across diverse plant systems. This project is funded by a Formas grant aimed at restoring European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) populations threatened by ash dieback.

Research focus and responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to developing the first Swedish-focused European ash pangenome, integrating long-read genome assemblies with population-scale sequencing to understand disease resistance and local adaptation across Europe.

Work will combine:

• Large-scale population genomics, demographic inference, and evolutionary genomics
• Graph-based pangenomics and structural variant discovery
• Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and genotype–environment association analyses
• State-of-the-art long-read sequencing and computational genomic approaches

The candidate will collaborate closely with researchers at other SLU campuses, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and additional European partners. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of plant evolutionary genomics while contributing directly to forest restoration and conservation.

Candidate profile

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a PhD in botany, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, plant biology, or a related field deemed equivalent by the employer. Applicants should have a strong publication record relative to their career stage and demonstrated ability to conduct independent research.

The ideal candidate will have experience in:

• Large-scale population genomics, demographic inference, and evolutionary genomics
• Graph-based pangenomics and structural variant analysis, ideally in plants
• Genotype–environment association (GEA/EAA) or GWAS
• Programming in Python, with extensive experience in Linux and multiple HPC environments
• Population genomics across environmental gradients, including demographic inference and genotype–environment association analyses

Experience with long-read sequencing, structural variant analysis, graph-based genome analysis, and plant genomics is an advantage but not required. The successful candidate should be a collaborative team member who drives the project with creativity, independence, and scientific curiosity. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Since postdoctoral appointments are career-development positions, priority will be given to candidates who received their doctoral degree within the past three years.

About the department and working environment

The Department of Plant Biology offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is part of the Uppsala BioCenter. The department conducts fundamental research on model organisms, agricultural crops, forest trees, and bioenergy crops. Research areas include plant interactions with microorganisms and environmental stresses, plant growth and development, biotechnology and metabolic engineering, gene expression regulation, population genetics, genome analysis, and breeding system development. Species studied include Arabidopsis, Physcomitrella, Cochlearia, rapeseed, basket willow, potato, cereals, and various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi/oomycetes. The department also teaches courses in genetics, cell biology, plant physiology, plant breeding, biochemistry, and biotechnology.

Location

Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth-largest city, home to two universities and more than 50,000 students. It is situated in the Greater Stockholm area with excellent connections to Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted by the last date to apply. The application must include the reference number.

• Reference number: SLU.ua.2026.2.5.1-2247
• Publishing date: 27 July 2026
• Last date to apply: 31 August 2026
• Working hours: Day
• Occupation area: Lecturer/Scientist
• Employment level: Full time

Contact: Levi Yant, Professor, [email protected]

Original vacancy