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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Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is one of the strongest research environments for basic plant research in Europe. Research at UPSC covers a wide range of disciplines in plant biology including ecology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se). We are now looking for a PhD student  to the Department of Plant physiology which is part of UPSC.  Application deadline is 2019-06-05. 

Project description

We are looking for a PhD student who will study xylem differentiation and wood formation in Populus trees and in Arabidopsis. The candidate will perform a genome wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genetic markers in Populus trees for wood properties that are beneficial either for biomass production or as a source of new bioproducts through bioprocessing. For this purpose, we will utilize a collection of Swedish aspens; the so-called SwAsp collection grown in two locations. Trees in both locations will be characterized for a large number of wood properties.  Variation in wood properties will be compared with variation in genome sequence within each clone in GWAS to identify genetic loci that associate with beneficial traits and that can be used as markers in breeding programs. Two different approaches are taken to validate the genetic markers; one by utilizing a collection of hybrid aspen trees and another by transgenic approaches in Populus as well as in Arabidopsis.

Terms of employment

The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching work or other departmental responsibilities (up to a maximum 20%) can be included. The employment is for a four year period or for five years including teaching or departmental work. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. Employment starts 1 September 2019 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 entry requirements the successful candidate also 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 program as well as an independent project work of at least 15 ECTS credits in an area relevant for the project. Applicants who in some other system either within Sweden or abroad have acquired largely equivalent skills are also eligible.

The PhD candidate should be eager to learn and willing to individually develop the project in cooperation with the research group. Experience with plants and cell cultures as an experimental system, practice in molecular biology, genetics and genomics, and knowledge in the R statistical programming language are of advantage.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

Documents should be sent electronically, in MS Word or PDF format, trough the recruitment system by 5th of June 2019 at latest. The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.

Additional information

For further information, contact the project leader, associate professor Hannele Tuominen, Hannele.tuominen@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-837-19
Contact
  • Hannele Tuominen, 0907869693
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 16.May.2019
Last application date 05.Jun.2019 11:59 PM CEST

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