Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

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A PhD position is available in the group of Alizée Malnoë in the Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University, Sweden to study photosynthesis in plants. Apply no later than February 28, 2019.

We welcome your application!

Description

We are seeking for a PhD student who will identify molecular players required for sustained energy dissipation in plants using the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. We have isolated 140 mutants affected in photoprotection through a suppressor screen which is described in Malnoë et al. Plant Cell (2017). Using whole genome sequencing, the PhD student will identify the genes mutated in mutants of interest. Sequencing will be performed at SciLife Laboratory and training for data analysis will be provided by the UPSC Bioinformatics facility. In addition, the candidate will characterize these mutants and study the function of the genes identified combining genetics, biochemistry, biophysics and physiology approaches. This project will contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms of photoprotection in plants.

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 2019-03-01 or subject to agreement.

Admission requirements

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.

The candidate should have a strong interest to develop his/her expertise in genetics, computational biology and biochemistry. They should ideally have experience growing and crossing Arabidopsis, knowledge of general molecular biology and biochemistry techniques and be familiar with methods for generating and analyzing whole genome sequencing datasets. We are looking for creative and enthusiastic colleagues prepared to work both independently and in collaboration with other lab members. The successful candidate is expected to have good communication skills and must be proficient in spoken and written English.

The assessment of applicants is based on their qualifications and their ability to benefit from the doctoral-level education they will receive.

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
  • A 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 references, familiar with the applicant’s qualifications

Your application should be submitted via the Umeå University digital recruitment system Varbi on 2019-02-28 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!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2019-03-01 or by agreement
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-72-19
Contact
  • Alizeé Malnoë, Forskarassistent, 090 786 54 59, alizee.malnoe@umu.se
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 16.Jan.2019
Last application date 28.Feb.2019 11:59 PM CET

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