Phd student, Biology

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.

Molecular interactions between plants and viruses  
Description:
The evolution of viruses is fastest among known organisms, which has contributed to an enormous diversity. An important aspect of the announced project is that viruses mainly develop virulence strategies in parallel, and not via horizontal gene flow. This individualistic trait leads to viruses as a group, the virome, developing different mechanisms to influence the same process in the host. Based on this hypothesis, we intend to use viral diversity as a resource to study specifically how small RNA processes work in plants in general and more specifically how these molecules can spread information between plant cells. A parallel aspect is the role of small RNA molecules in defense against viruses and regulation of disease processes. With this, we want to increase our understanding of how these plant processes work and are regulated more generally and at the same time their global interaction with viruses. In this project, the doctoral student will mainly use various forms of RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to investigate the above-mentioned processes in the thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana) plant model.

Research environment:
The employee will work in the research group led by Anders Hafrén at the Department of Plant Biology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) (www.slu.se/en/vbsg) and the Linnean Center for Plant Biology (http://lcpu.se/) in Uppsala. The department offers a creative and stimulating international environment as one of several departments that together make up Uppsala Biocenter in Ulltuna.

Qualifications:
The candidate should have completed a master's degree, mainly in Arabidopsis molecular cell biology or bioinformatics or other subjects that the employer considers equivalent. Demonstrated experience of participating, using methodology and producing results in relevant research projects is an advantage, as is knowledge in RNA biology, as well as Arabidopsis genetics and cell biology. Excellent skills to communicate orally and in writing in English and good co-operation skills are expected.

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 2022-02-08.

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: www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/new-doctoral-students/english-language-requirements/

Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, 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) is a world-class international university with research, education and environmental assessment within the sciences for sustainable life. Its principal sites are in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks and educational establishments throughout Sweden. We bring together people who have different perspectives, but they all have one and the same goal: to create the best conditions for a sustainable, thriving and better world.

SLU has just over 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and a turnover of SEK 3 billion. The university has invested heavily in a modern, attractive environment on its campuses.

www.slu.se