PhD student in biology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics in Ultuna 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Biology Defence in potato to Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight The understanding of plant defence processes on molecular levels has advanced significantly over the last 10 years. Due to new sequence technology, several hundreds of microorganisms are now being sequenced, including plant pathogens. This advancement coupled with developed plant genomic tools gives us new opportunities to broaden our knowledge on plant resistance and defence mechanisms. The overall aim of this project is to study the interaction between Phytophthora infestans and potato on molecular level. Large efforts have been invested in identifying pathogenicity factors or effectors in P. infestans. A plant pathogen which belongs to the oomycete organism group with novel genomic features. At the same time several resistance genes in wild potato germplasm have been identified. A theme in this project is to evaluate and study selected genes, gene functions and metabolites in potato that can lead to durable resistance. Thus, this position has an emphasis on defence reactions in potato to P. infestans. The position has its base at the Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics located in Uppsala. Research in the Department centres on plants at the genetic and cellular levels with emphasis on development, defence and genetic diversity themes. New knowledge here will empower the agricultural sector to meet the needs of the future through crop improvement. The goal is higher quality foods, fodder and fibre. Part of our future plans is to move to the new Biocenter that brings scientists from 6 life science departments at SLU together in order to offer an even more stimulating environment for research and education of the highest international standard. Please have a look at our homepages for more details www.vbsg.slu.se and http://bioc.slu.se. Qualifications Applicants must have an MSc exam (minimum 4 years full time of university studies) with emphasis on biology, biotechnology or equivalent. There will be a merit if the applicant has experience on plant pathology/microbiology, plant biotechnology, biochemistry, functional genomics, and bioinformatic analysis. The applicant should have good communication skills and proven skills in both oral and written scientific English. Forms for funding or employment Scholarship 1 year + Employment as PhD student 3 years A person has basic eligibility for third level education if he or she has taken a second level qualification or has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, including at least 60 higher education credits at second level. Those who met the requirements for general eligibility before July 1st, 2007, i.e. had completed a programme of higher education for at least 180 Higher education credits or the equivalent, will continue to do so until the end of 2015." Use this APPLICATION FORM http://www.slu.se/UserFiles/File/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc For a complete advt: personal.slu.se/job