PhD student position in Plant Molecular Biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Umeå Plant Science Center (UPSC) is one of Europe's strongest research environment for basic plant research (www.upsc.se). The PhD student is going to be placed at the Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University, which is part of UPSC. Our common goal is to understand the adaptability of plants and acclimatization to a changing environment. We are now looking for a PhD student fellow. Apply before 2019-06-30.

Project description

In contrast to animals, plants can form new organs throughout their life. This capacity for continued organogenesis not only endows plants with the ability for continued growth, but also provides them with the means to adjust their growth to changes in their environment. We have recently shown that temperature-dependent alternative splicing of mRNA plays an important role in temperature acclimation and might contribute to establishing phenotypic plasticity in plants (Capovilla et al., Nature Plants, 2018).

In this project we will carry out experiments to investigate the role of a temperature-specific splicing factor, PORCUPINE (PCP), in temperature-dependent morphogenesis in plants. We will determine the molecular function of PCP and a related protein, PCP-like, in Arabidopsis thaliana. These gene-centered experiments will be complemented by a genetic screen to identify novel players in temperature dependent organogenesis. At a time when the world climate is changing at a speed unprecedented in modern human history, understanding the consequences that these changes will have on plant growth and development is of utmost importance, in order to secure the global food and forestry base in a sustainable manner.

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 and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students.

Employment starts 1st October 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 abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the entry requirements the successful candidate also must have completed 90 ECTS credits 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. We are looking for highly motivated PhD candidates eager to learn and willing to individually develop the project in cooperation with the research group. Experience in (plant) molecular biology, genetic, and/or genomic is an advantage. The successful candidate must have very good command of written and spoken English.

Application

The application should include the following:

1. A personal letter describing yourself, your specific research interests and your reason for applying to this position
2. A curriculum vitae (CV)
3. A certified copy of grades and degree certificates
4. Copies of relevant work such as bachelor’s or master’s thesis or articles that you have authored or co-authored
5. Contact information of at least two references, familiar with the applicant’s qualifications

Applications should be written in English and be submitted via the University e-recruitment system Varbi (see link below). We look very much forward to receiving your application no later than 30th of June.

For further information, contact Prof. Markus Schmid, markus.schmid@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!