Postdoc stipend on autophagy and autoimmunity in plants
Contact
Daniel Hofius (Prof) fornamn.efternamn@slu.se
Détails de l'offre
About the project
A postdoctoral stipend is available in the group of Daniel Hofius at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, Sweden. Research in the Hofius lab (https://www.slu.se/en/research/research-catalogue/grupper/a/autophagy-and-cell-death-in-plant-microbe-interactions/) focuses on the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in the context of plant-microbe interactions. Autophagy is a conserved degradation and recycling process required for cellular homeostasis, stress tolerance and immunity. Our previous findings have contributed to the current view that autophagy is an integral part of plant immunity and can be suppressed, evaded or even hijacked by pathogens to the benefit of infection (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hofius+D&sort=date). However, it remains largely unknown to what extent autophagy is linked to autoimmunity, a chronic defence phenotype often caused by aberrant NLR-type immune receptor activation in response to genetic mutations in negative regulators or pathogen effector targets. Hence, the aim of the postdoc project is to investigate the role of autophagy in immune receptor homeostasis and to evaluate whether autoimmune mutants can be explored to identify NLR-guarded autophagy regulators. The work will apply genetic, cell biological and biochemical approaches in the Arabidopsis and N. benthamiana models. The long-term goal is to translate the new knowledge into the improvement of disease resistance in crop plants.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a PhD degree in plant molecular biology, plant genetics, plant cell biology or related topics. Proven expertise in plant immunity research in the Arabidopsis system is most desirable, and prior work with forward and reverse genetics, protein biochemistry, confocal microscopy, and autophagy-related techniques are further assets. The candidate is expected to be a team player and enthusiastically drive a research project with strong initiative, creativity and independent thinking. Excellent communication skills in both oral and written scientific English are required. A competitive track record with previous scientific output such as a first author article is greatly valued.
About us
The Department of Plant Biology (www.slu.se/en/vbsg) offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up the cluster ‘Uppsala BioCenter’. Uppsala, Sweden´s fourth-biggest city, has two universities and with more than 50´000 students a vibrant student atmosphere. It is located in the Greater Stockholm area and has excellent connection to the Stockholm-Arlanda international airport.
Research & education: The department undertakes fundamental research on model organisms, agricultural crops, forest trees and bioenergy crops. Our main areas of research comprise the interaction of plants with microorganisms and other environmental stresses, plant growth and development, biotechnology and metabolic engineering, regulation of gene expression, population genetics, genome analysis and the development of breeding systems. Species in use are model organisms such as Arabidopsis, Physcomitrella, tobacco, crops such as potato, rapeseed, and cereals, and pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi/oomycetes. The department is responsible for basic and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, cell biology, gene technology, plant physiology, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology, and molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. In addition, the department contributes to various courses together with other departments.
Location:
Uppsala
About the scholarship:
The position is financed by a postdoctoral stipend from the Carl Tryggers Foundation for a period of two years.
Scope:
100%
Start date:
As agreed; the stipend is immediately available
Application:
Application deadline is on 28 February 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.
Specific documents to be attached: Applications must contain (1) CV and copy of PhD degree, (2) statement of scientific interests and motivation for applying to this position, (3) description of research experience and other activities of relevance for the position, as well as (4) contact information of three references.
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.