Scientists

Researchers in single-cell transcriptomics and evolution of interactions between insects and host plants

A research service is available in Mariana Bragas research group, Evolving Networks, at Sweden's agricultural university (SLU) in Uppsala. The group's research is about understanding how art interactions change in time and space, focusing on interactions between butterfly alerts and plants and on the development of phylogenetic methods.

About work

You who get the service will work on how modularity in host-specific gene expression is developed in butterfly reserves, by analysis of data from single-cell transcriptomics. You will be part of a group working in the borderland between evolutionary biology, adaptation to host plants and encellsgenomics, and you and your colleagues are responsible for analyzing existing sequence data to compare how cell type specific answers to The work is largely calculated and independently, and is carried out in close cooperation with other members of the group.

In your tasks include:

• To lead the single-cell transcriptomeric analysis of existing data from two butterfly species, to begin with a quality assessment of available sequence data
• Placing these species in a comparative framework along with existing data from other species, and examining whether it is the same cell types that respond to different host plants at different tariffs, or not
• To, if necessary, validate cell type determinations with in situ sequencing
• To write and co-execute scientific publications and present work at seminars and conferences
• Sharing methods and code with the group and support colleagues and students in taking Encells analysis - knowledge transfer is a pronounced part of the service

All interested applicants are encouraged to seek, regardless of age, nationality, sex, disability, religion or ethnic background. The group's common language is English, and good knowledge of English is necessary. In order to successfully perform the various tasks, the applicant should take their own initiatives, be able to work independently and be solution-oriented and be able to find creative solutions to technical problems. We attach great importance to personal qualities such as cooperation capacity. Since the applicant will work closely others in the group, very good communication skills, good treatment and reliability are required.

Your background

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in evolutionary biology, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology or related substance
• Documented experience of analyzing data from Encells-RNA sequencing, including practical work with the entire analysis chain from raw data to annotated cell types
• Experience of working with non-model organisms, where reference resources are incomplete and annotation cannot be taken for granted
• Good programming skills (eg, R and / or Python) and experience of working in a high performance calculation environment (HPC)
• Ability to work independently, plan their own work and run a project ahead
• Documented ability to independently drive research and publish scientific results
• Very good ability to express themselves in speech and writing in English

A merit

• Experience of insects, especially butterflies (Lepidoptera) or interactions between insects and host plants
• Experience of comparative transcriptomics between species and expression evolution in duplicated gene families
• Experience in situ sequencing, spatial transcriptomics or histologic validation of transcriptomer clusters
• Experience of teaching, supervising or otherwise transferring methodology to colleagues

We attach great importance to personal fitness: curiosity, accuracy in the analysis and willingness to cooperate and to explain their methods for others.

About us

SLUS Department of Ecology is one of the Nordic region's largest center for ecological research. We combine organic basic research and applied research in nature conservation, wildlife management, forestry and plant protection.

Evolving Networks lab is part of the unit for insect ecology.

We within the unit for insect ecology try to understand the insects better - how they interact with each other, with other organisms (including humans) and with the surrounding environment. We also study the evolutionary history of insects to better understand their future. The knowledge that we achieve can be used not only to preserve species and ecosystems, but also to determine how we can use insects sustainable. We cooperate with many people both inside and outside the academy.

Read more about the Department of Ecology on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/organisation/institutioner/ekologi/

Read more about our benefits and how it is to work at SLU on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/

Location:

Uppsala, Sweden.

Employment status:

Time-limited employment 12 months.

Scope:

100%.

Access:

2026-11-01, or as agreed.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below 2026-10-16.

Union contacts:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/

Sweden's agricultural university (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, founded in science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between man, animals and ecosystems and a responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable social development and good living conditions on our planet. Main resorts are Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but operations are also conducted on research stations, trial parks and education sites throughout the country. SLU has just over 4000 employees, 6000 students and graduate students and a turnover of over 4,5 billion. The university is investing in attractive environments on their campus areas. We work for an equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experience lay the foundation for scientific, creativity and development. We therefore welcome people with different backgrounds and perspectives to seek the current employment.