1 doktorand i plant molecular biology

Biology and biotechnology of wood cell wall
A 4-year PhD position is open at the Umeoaring; Plant Science Centre, at the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join our team studying wood cell wall formation in trees, from a basic science- and application-oriented perspectives.onbsp; Wood is one of the most promising energy-rich and carbon-rich renewable resources world-wide. To make a better use of wood in smart future applications, the proper understanding of wood cell wall architecture, where hemicelluloses play an essential role, is needed. You will use state of the art molecular and genetic tools to modify xylan in trees, and by doing this, to reveal the molecular organization of wood cell wall and to improve wood properties.

The work will involve characterization of transgenic aspen lines with altered xylan, including in depth analysis of their cell walls and their biology, as well as observations of transgenic lines growing in the field. You will obtain training in cell wall analyses, bioinformatics and gene expression analyses. For recent publications please consult: Pawar PM-A, et al.onbsp; Downregulation of RWA genes in hybrid aspen affects xylan acetylation and wood processing properties. New Phytologist, in press, DOI 10.1111/nph.14489; Pawar PM-A, et al. 2016. Expression of fungal acetyl xylan esterase in Arabidopsis thaliana improves saccharification of stem lignocellulose. Plant Biotechnology Journal 14: 387ondash;397; Derba-Maceluch M, et al. 2015. Suppression of xylan transglycosylase PtxtXyn10A affects cellulose microfibril angle in secondary wall in aspen wood. New Phytologist 205: 666ondash;681.

Umeoaring; is a vibrant university town and the cultural capital of northern Sweden.onbsp; It has good connection to Stockholm and the rest of the world. Its location provides excellent opportunities for the exploration of the boreal nature and for different outdoor activities.


Kvalifikationer: Degree in molecular biology or biochemistry, preferably with a focus on plants. The practical knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques and a good command in English are required. The knowledge of bioinformatics and statistics is an asset. You should have curious mind and enjoy problem-solving.