PhD position in Plant Physiology

PhD position in Plant Physiology A position as PhD student is available at Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC), Department of Plant Physiology within the project "Leaf mitochondria and their roles in photosynthesis and senescence".Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) is an internationally recognized centre working on several aspects of experimental plant biology.It consists of two departments, the Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University and the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology from the Swedish Agricultural University.A total of about 180 persons are working there of which about 30 are group leaders.Homepage: www.upsc.se Project description Senescence is of great importance for plant development, acclimation and survival.The process has important consequences for biomass production, storage of biomass and also for quality of biomass for energy production.The main plant to be used in the project is the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.Darkening of individual leaves will be used as experimental system to induce rapid and synchronised senescence (Weaver and Amasino, Plant Physiol 2001,127:876-886; Keech et al 2007, PC&E 30:1523-1534).The project will include characterisation of mutants selected in a mutant screen using EMS mutated plants.In the group we are in particular interested in metabolic aspects of leaf senescence with emphasis on the role of mitochondrial functions and respiratory metabolism for nutrient retrieval during the process.The student will be enrolled in the KBC graduate school and the work will be carried out in collaboration with other research groups within UPSC.Application The application should include a letter of intent, certified curriculum vitae that includes information on previous education, copies of the master's thesis, publications and other documents supporting your competence and suitability for the position, and address and phone number to two reference persons.The application may be written in English or Swedish.Requirements A relevant background for the position is a degree in biology, molecular biology or biochemistry with experience of plants.The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen chapters 5 and 7).Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level).Education should include a 30 ECTS credits independent project in an area relevant for the project.The successful applicant should have good ability to write and speak in English, creativity, power of initiative, independence and ability to collaborate.Evaluations will be based on results on University courses, quality of master's thesis, references, interviews and the letter of intent.Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.We look forward to receiving your application!