Doctoral student in Natural Science, specializing in Biology

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BioEnv) we have teaching and research activities that stretch from the alpine ecosystem, through forests, cultivated land and streams, all the way into the marine environment. In these environments we study different levels of biological organisation from genes, individuals and populations, to communities and ecosystems. We work within ecology, evolution, physiology, systematics and combinations of these fields in order to understand the impact of natural and anthropogenic changes of the environment.

The department is placed at three different localities: in Gothenburg Botanical garden, at Medicinarberget in Gothenburg and Kristineberg Marine Research Station. The current position is placed at Gothenburg Botanical garden.

Project description
The overall objective is to identify chloroplast ion transporters involved in the regulation of photosynthesis in plants and microalgae. Research on this topic is important because photosynthetic function is tightly coupled with growth, and we need to understand how photosynthetic components are integrated to operate in a dynamic environment.

The PhD project will study the intracellular location, gene expression, biochemical function and physiological role of ion channels and transporters from the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The studies are mainly laborative and will be carried out using bioinformatics, genetic, molecular biology, plant physiology and microbiological methods to characterize the ion transporters.

Job assignments
The main task is to conduct the PhD thesis work under supervision, which includes development of the PhD student’s methodological experience, analytical skills, as well as theoretical depth and breadth. Techniques used within the project include sequence analyses, molecular biology (PCR, Q-RT-PCR, gene cloning, western blotting), photosynthesis-specific (chlorophyll fluorescence, carbon fixation, proton-motive force) and plant physiology-related (response to light stress) to characterize the ion transporters. The project will be conducted mostly as laborative studies. Specific research topics associated with the project include chloroplast ion transporters, photosynthesis and light stress in plants and algae.

Third cycle education
Admission to third cycle education is aiming at a PhD in Natural Science, specializing Biology. The education runs for four years of fulltime studies, containing three years of thesis work and one year of academic education (i.e. course work and literature studies). A selection of courses at the Department/Faculty is available, but national/international courses can also be selected.  Some teaching and/or course administration can be included which extends the contract time to the same extent.

Eligibility
To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements. A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he/she:
1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must:
1. have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or
2. have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or
3. have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant subject for the planned third-cycle education is plant biology.

Assessment
Rules regarding education and employment on a doctoral level you will find in Higher Education Ordinance (HF, SFS 1993:100). Only applicants who are admitted to the postgraduate level may be hired. Upon appointment the degree of ability to successfully complete the PhD program must firstly be evaluated.

We are seeking a motivated person for PhD studies in Biology with emphasis on Plant Cell and Molecular Biology.

Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are necessary since we work in an international environment.

Specialization within plant biology and experience of plant molecular biology and physiology are advantageous. Basic knowledge in photosynthesis is a merit.

For further information and how to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

Closing date: January 22, 2022

 

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.


In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.