📍 Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, Sweden
🗓️ Application Deadline: 1 September 2025
🧪 Start Date: Fall 2025 (or by agreement)
⏳ Duration: 2 years (full-time, tax-free scholarship)

The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University is excited to announce a postdoctoral scholarship opportunity within the groundbreaking project on AI-driven plant genomics, hosted by the Jian-Feng Mao research group at UPSC — one of Europe’s leading centers for plant biology research.

🔬 Project Overview
This project explores the hidden language of plant genomes: long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), key regulators of plant development and environmental responses. By harnessing artificial intelligence and deep learning, you will develop novel computational tools to identify, annotate, and functionally investigate lncRNA genes across diverse plant species. This cutting-edge work aims to revolutionize our understanding of plant resilience, growth, and productivity — vital for addressing climate change and global food security.

💡 Key Research Activities

• Data curation of whole-genome sequences and annotations

• Development of classification platforms for plant lncRNAs

• Investigating lncRNA transcriptional profiles (expression, splicing, etc.)

• Designing and implementing AI models, including neural networks, transformer models, and graph neural networks

• Collaborating closely with experimental researchers to validate computational predictions

• Disseminating findings through publications and scientific meetings

🌟 Why Join UPSC?

• Work in a vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment

• Access world-class computational resources via the National Academic Infrastructure for Supercomputing in Sweden (NAISS)

• Contribute to pioneering research at the intersection of AI and plant genomics

• Enjoy a tax-free scholarship of 348,000 SEK/year funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation

👩‍🔬 Who Should Apply?

• PhD in bioinformatics, machine learning, computational biology, genomics, or related fields (completed or expected by decision time)

• Strong programming skills (Python preferred) and experience in data science, bioinformatics, or genomics

• Proven expertise or strong interest in AI applications to biological sequence data

• Excellent communication skills in English and ability to work independently and collaboratively

📝 How to Apply
Submit your application via Umeå University’s recruitment system Varbi by 1 September 2025:
🔗 [Application Link – Umeå University Varbi system]

Please include:

• Cover letter (max 2 pages)

• CV with publication list

• Verified doctoral degree certificate or proof of expected completion date

• Copies of diplomas, academic transcripts, thesis, and relevant publications

• Contact details for two references

📧 Contact for questions: Jian-Feng Mao, Email Id.

More opportunities link here!

Join us at the frontier of plant science and AI — help decode the genome’s hidden potential and shape the future of sustainable agriculture!