PhD position in plant science with a focus on small proteins

The Department of Plant Physiology (Umeå University, Umeå Plant Science Centre, Sweden) invites applicants for a PhD position in plant science. The expected starting date is May 1st, 2025 or according to agreement. 

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, computational biology, genetics, physiology, biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology (see www.upsc.se). A PhD student position is open at the Department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre. Application deadline is January 31, 2025.

Project description

This doctoral project focuses on exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying plant development, with particular emphasis on symmetry-breaking processes in flowers. Symmetry breaking is a fundamental biological phenomenon where symmetrical structures develop into complex, specialized forms. This process is crucial in multicellular organisms and plays a central role in shaping the diversity of plant and animal forms. The research combines experimental and computational approaches, leveraging advanced techniques such as genomics, proteomics, genome editing, and protein engineering. The project will focus on identifying and characterizing key molecular regulators, including microProteins, that control flower development. The PhD student will collaborate closely with mathematical modelers in biology and functional genomics experts to develop predictive models and derive insights from large-scale datasets.

Eligibility

To fulfil the general entry requirements for studies at third-cycle level, the applicant must have qualifications equivalent to a completed degree at second-cycle level, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits including at least 60 ECTS credits at second-cycle level. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in Plant Science at Umeå Plant Science Centre, the successful candidate must have completed 90 ECTS relevant to the doctoral thesis project. Out of this, at least 30 ECTS have to be in a subject closely related to the research topic of the graduate program. Applicants who have acquired equivalent skills in some other educational system in Sweden or abroad are also eligible.

Qualifications

For this employment we are looking for a person with a strong interest in molecular plant biology and computational approaches. We expect the candidate to have an academic background in Plant Biology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a related field.

The successful applicant should have good skills in written and spoken English. Strong merits include experience with the analysis of large-scale sequencing data, bioinformatics tools, and/or structural biology. Familiarity with programming languages (e.g., Python, R) or prior work with computational modeling of biological systems is highly advantageous. We are looking for a creative and initiative-rich person who can work independently while also thriving in collaboration within a larger multidisciplinary research group. 

About the employment

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which include participation in research and postgraduate courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years teaching part-time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position.

Application

You apply through our recruitment system Varbi on January 31, 2025 at the latest. The application may be written in English, Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish and should include:

1. A short (max 2 pages) description of why you are interested in the position
2. CV
3. Certified copies of certificates from higher education
4. List of completed university courses and the grades
5. Copy of publications/degree thesis

Contact

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Stephan Wenkel, stephan.wenkel@umu.se

Documents should be sent electronically, in PDF format, through the recruitment system. 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. 

The Department of Plant Physiology values 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 your application!