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). Our common goal is to understand the plants ability to adapt and acclimate to a changing world. A PhD student position is open at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to work within the project “Understanding the regulation of energy metabolism” in Johannes Hanson’s research group at UPSC. Application is open until 1 November 2019.

Project description

Energy levels is monitored to optimize cellular metabolism and physiology in all living cells. In plants is this regulated primarily by two kinases Target of Rapamycin (TOR) and Snf1 related kinase 1 (SnRK1) with opposing activities. The kinases operate at cellular level but regulate tissue specific processes as well as general physiology of the plant. The candidate will join a team focused on understanding the molecular details of these signaling pathways. We have taken a cell-culture based approach to be able to follow the signaling pathways minute for minute. We are using polysomal profiling to follow translational changes and biochemical approaches to identify factors important for these changes. The project is focused on understanding the translational gene regulation in response to changed metabolic status. We are studying translational changes using RiboSeq and based on these results, we will identify regulatory factors and characterize their mode of action.


Terms for the 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. The employment starts according 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 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.

Experience with plants as experimental system or cell cultures is an advantage. 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 the R statistical programming language and working within a team of international collaborators would also be an advantage.

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

Applications should be submitted via the University e-recruitment system (see link below). We look very much forward to receiving your application no later than 1 November 2019.

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

Additional information

For further information, contact the project leader, Johannes Hanson, PhD, johannes.hanson@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application!

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment By agreement.
Salary Månadslön
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Umeå
County Västerbottens län
Country Sweden
Reference number AN 2.2.1-1308-19
Contact
  • Johannes Hanson, 090-7866744
Union representative
  • SACO, 090-786 53 65
  • SEKO, 090-786 52 96
  • ST, 090-786 54 31
Published 09.Sep.2019
Last application date 01.Nov.2019 11:59 PM CET

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