Researcher, starch biosynthesis and initiation in potato
Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet / Kemiingenjörsjobb / Lomma
2026-03-12
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About the position
Potato starch is an important renewable raw material used in food and technical applications. Improving the yield and functional properties of starch in crops can contribute to more sustainable production systems and reduce the need for downstream chemical modification.
The project aims to investigate molecular mechanisms underlying starch granule formation and to develop strategies to improve starch accumulation and quality in potato using modern genome editing approaches. The research combines functional genomics, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, and starch characterization to generate new knowledge on starch morphogenesis and plant materials with improved starch properties.
The researcher will join an interdisciplinary research environment working at the interface of plant biotechnology, genetics, and crop improvement.
The researcher will lead experimental and analytical work within the project and collaborate with other researchers and students in the group as well as outside the organization. The work will include:
• Designing and conducting experiments related to starch biosynthesis and granule morphogenesis in potato
• Application of genome editing approaches (e.g. CRISPR-based technologies) for targeted modification of potato genes
• Molecular and genetic analysis of edited plant material
• Plant tissue culture, regeneration, and growth of edited potato plants
• Phenotypic and biochemical analysis of starch quantity and structure
• Data analysis, interpretation, and preparation of scientific publications
• Participation in collaborative research activities and supervision of students
• Apply for external funding to support the research
Your profile
• A doctoral degree, awarded between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021, in plant biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, plant physiology, or a related discipline
• Demonstrated experience with genome editing technologies (e.g. CRISPR/Cas systems), aiming at gene knock outs and/or sequence knock ins plant
• Demonstrated experience with in vitro tissue culture techniques, preferably protoplast-to-plant regeneration systems
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
Meritorious qualifications
• Demonstrated experience in applying genome editing technologies to potato
• Demonstrated experience with protoplast-based regeneration systems in potato
• Knowledge of starch biosynthesis, plant metabolism, or plant storage compounds
• Experience in scientific publishing and supervision of students
Personal qualities
We are looking for a motivated and collaborative researcher with strong analytical skills. The candidate should be organized, detail-oriented, and capable of driving research projects forward while contributing to a dynamic research team.
Assessment criteria
Assessment will be based on the applicant's scientific competence and experience relevant to the research area of the position. Emphasis will be placed on documented experience in plant biotechnology and molecular biology methods, especially genome editing and plant tissue culture techniques. Experience with genome editing and regeneration systems in potato, as well as knowledge of starch biosynthesis or plant storage metabolism, will be considered an advantage. The evaluation will also consider the applicant's ability to conduct independent research, collaborate within a multidisciplinary research environment, and communicate scientific results through publications and presentations.
About us
SLU's Department 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 department has five subject areas: Applied Genetics and Crop Genetic Improvement; Genomics and Phenomics of Plant Diversity; Plant Biotechnology and Functional Genomics; Plant Product Quality Improvement; and Plants and the Environment. The department utilises a wide range of methodologies from field and greenhouse 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/about-slu/organisation/departments/vf_en/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:
Indefinite-term employment. SLU may use probationary employment.
Scope:
100%
Start date:
As soon as possible or as agreed.
Application:
Please submit your application before deadline 30 March 2026. You can submit your application by clicking the button below.
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.
Ersättning Fast lön
Så ansöker du Sista dag att ansöka är 2026-03-30
Klicka på denna länk för att göra din ansökan Omfattning Detta är ett heltidsjobb.
Arbetsgivare Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (org.nr 202100-2817),
http://www.slu.se Arbetsplats Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
Kontakt Researcher
Per Hofvander
name.lastname@slu.se +46 (0) 40 41 50 13 Jobbnummer 9794332