PhD postion in plant molecular biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

One of Europe’s strongest research centers in experimental plant biology (www.upsc.se) is seeking a PhD student that will study the plant circadian clock. The position is at the Department of plant physiology. Apply 2018-12-27 at latest.

Description

We are seeking a PhD student that will study the plant circadian clock, with emphasis on its regulation of the cell cycle, which is of vast importance for growth and development as well as the ability of Agrobacterium infection and transformation in vitro. You will work experimentally to characterize the mechanistic role of the circadian clock control of the cell cycle in the daily and seasonal contexts. The work comprises experimental studies in several model systems, in particular Arabidopsis and hybrid aspen but may also other species such as spruce, if relevant.

The work tasks will include a vast amount of methods, spanning a broad subject area from molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry to plant physiology. The focus of studies lies on the identification and characterization of clock and cell cycle related proteins and the regulatory mechanisms whereby the circadian clock is able to control mitotic cycles and endoreduplication during long days as well as under limited growth conditions. This work will also include analysis of a collection of hybrid aspen lines under controlled conditions and in the field and requires collaboration with other project group members.

The aim of the employment for the student is to acquire a PhD and in order to full fill this main objective, to conduct research within the research project and gain relevant research skills through PhD student courses. Teaching and other work at the Department is mandatory (max 20 % of 100 % employment). The employment is limited to four years fulltime studies or five years with teaching and other obligations included. Salaries for PhD students follows an agreed salary development. Employment starts 2019-02-01 or subject to agreement.

Qualifications

To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from overseas, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in plant physiology and plant molecular biology at Umeå Plant Science Centre, the successful candidate must have completed 90 ECTS credits in biology or chemistry with relevance to biology. Out of this, at least 15 ECTS credits has to be in a subject closely related to the research topic of the graduate programme as well as an independent project work of at least 15 ECTS credits in an area relevant for the project.

We would prefer candidates with a master’s degree within the Forest Biotechnology program or equivalent.

It is of added merit if you also have experience from:

• experimental work including screening and genotyping of plants with altered genes
• molecular biology teqniques for cloning
• transformation of E. coli and plants
• gene expression studies with qRT-PCR
• time series analyses of plant gene expression through reporter genes
• transient expression of epitope tagged proteins
• Western blot analysis

Application

The application should contain the following documents:

• A personal letter describing yourself, your specific research interests and your reason for applying to this position
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• a certified copy of grades and degree certificates
• copies of relevant work such as bachelor’s or master’s thesis or articles that you have authored or co-authored;
• contact information of at least two notified references, familiar with the applicant’s qualifications

The application may be written in Swedish or English and should be submitted via the Umeå University digital application system Varbi on 2018-12-27 at the latest.

We value the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position.

We look forward to receiving your application!