PhD position in Plant-Virus Interactions

Department of Plant Biology
 The research of the department focusses on plants, but other organisms such as virus, bacteria, fungi, insects, yeast cells and even human cells are also studied. Our main areas or research are: the interaction between plants and microorganisms, and other forms of stress; biotechnology and metabolic engineering; growth and development of plants; the regulation of gene expression; population genetics, genome analysis and the development of breeding systems. Species in use are model organisms such as Arabidopsis thaliana, Physcomitrella, tobacco and yeast, and crops such as rapeseed, basket willow (Salix), potato, barley, rye, wheat and cassava.

The department is responsible for basic courses and advanced courses in general and molecular genetics, gene technology, cell biology, plant physiology, gene expression, plant breeding, plant biochemistry and biotechnology, molecular interactions between plants and pathogens. Besides, the department contributes to various other biology courses together with other departments. The courses are part of the masters programs in biotechnology and natural resources, and the programs for students in agriculture and landscape architecture, but most courses are open for external students as well.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Adaptation of RNA regulative networks into viral infections
Biology
Description:
Viruses are among the fastest evolving organisms, which has contributed to their expansion into a very large and diverse group. Commonly they have a predisposition to acquire virulence strategies through parallel evolution. Thereby viruses as a group, i.e. the “virome”, has become an extensive resource of divergent effector proteins that target potential pro- or antiviral pathways. Building on this hypothesis, one of our main approaches is to utilize virus diversity for studying the basic molecular mechanisms of selected plant pathways, how they function in antiviral defence and, their possible co-option to promote infection. This PhD project will focus mainly on how diverse plant viruses interact with RNA regulative networks including stress granules, processing bodies and translation. The work will include proteomic, RNAseq, genetic, biochemical and cell biological approaches using Arabidopsis as the primary plant model.

Environment: The successful applicant will work in the research group of Dr. Anders Hafrén at the Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) (www.slu.se/en/vbsg) and Linnean Centre for Plant Biology in Uppsala, Sweden (http://lcpu.se/). The department offers a creative and stimulating international environment and is one of several departments that make up the cluster ‘Uppsala BioCenter’ at SLU.

Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a higher university degree in molecular biology (Degree of Master or Master of Science) with emphasis on molecular cell biology, RNA biology, plant physiology, plant pathology, plant virology and related topics. Documented abilities to manage a laboratory research project and experience with molecular biology techniques in plants are required. Knowledge of genetic, biochemical, cell biological and/or proteomic approaches and virus handling in Arabidopsis/plant systems is highly valued. Creativity, motivation and drive are important personal characteristics as is excellent proficiency in English since English is the working language in the research group. Candidates should also have an ability to conduct independent research, take initiative, ask pertinent scientific questions, and interact with other scientists.

Place of work:      
Uppsala

Forms for funding or employment:
Employment (4 years)

Starting date:
According to agreement.

Application:
Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-08-22.

To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details.

Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/

Academic union representatives:
https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/


The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.