ERC-funded PhD position at SLU: How plants deal with heat and cold at the cellular level: A PhD position is open at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), in Petra Marhava’s research group. The department is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre and offers postgraduate studies in biology, specializing in plant physiology, ecophysiology, plant molecular biology and forest genetics. Postgraduate courses are generally held in cooperation with the Department of Plant Physiology from Umeå University. Last day to apply: April 15, 2023
Project description: Temperatures below or above the physiological optimum for plant growth induce temperature stress, which can cause detrimental and irreversible damage to plant growth and development. While most of the studies to date have focused on big-picture elements of plant responses to climate change, our research will provide insights into the molecular and cellular responses, to improve our mechanistic understanding of plant acclimation to heat and cold stress.
The project will mainly work with the root of the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana and will combine state-of-the-art approaches, e.g. various microscopy techniques, molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and genetic screens.
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.
The applicant should have a strong interest for plant biology, and a background in plant cell and molecular biology. Previous experience working with Arabidopsis is advantage. The successful candidate is expected to have good social skills and the ability to do research independently, as well as in a team. Furthermore, good oral and writing skills in English are essential qualifications.
About UPSC: The Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) which is a centre of excellence for experimental plant research and forest biotechnology in Northern Sweden. Our mission is to perform excellent and innovative basic research and generate knowledge that benefits forestry, agriculture, environment and society. We work across a wide range of disciplines in plant science reaching from cell biology to ecophysiology and from basic research to industrial applications. Our common goal is to understand the plants’ ability to grow, adapt and acclimate to a changing world and how we can breed better plants.
UPSC belongs to two universities, SLU and Umeå University. About 200 people from more than 40 different nationalities work here. We host some 30 principal investigators, and our researchers have access to state-of-the-art analytical platforms, unique tree germplasm resources and plant growth facilities. We strive for a collaborative work environment and support our scientists throughout all career stages by providing professional training opportunities and individual career mentoring.
Application and more information: More information can be found following the below link. The application is made through the electronic recruitment system from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences by using the “Apply now“
Application deadline: 2023-04-15
Contact: If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Petra Marhava, petra.marhava@slu.se