PhD student in Biology

Dept.of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology in Umeå 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Biology Molecular regulation of the juvenility-to-maturity transition in plants Trees are in many ways different from annual plants.They have to stop growing and set bud in the fall in order to survive the winter, and they have to release these buds at the right time during spring.The trees are also the latest flowering plants that we know of, many trees do not form their first flowers until they are 10-20 years old.Interestingly, our recent research has shown that the same kind of genes appear to control all these aspects of tree growth and development (Böhlenius et al., 2006).This project is aimed at deepening our understanding of how these processes are connected from a molecular genetic perspective.In the project the trees Aspen, Poplar and Norway spruce will be studied, but also the annual plant Arabidopsis thaliana.The project will focus on the role of micro RNAs and epigenetic changes in gene expression.The knowledge developed within this project will be of great general scientific interest, but will also be of importance for our ability to enhance the speed of future tree breeding programs.The PhD-position is within the Research School Trees and Crops for the Future; placement Umeå at Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). Further information: http://www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/new-phd-student/read-more/?Uid=579 Qualifications Applicants should have a Master degree (minimum 4 years full time of university studies) with emphasis on biology and molecular biology.Practical experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and/or molecular genetics is a merit.The applicant should have good communication skills and proven skills in both oral and written scientific English. Forms for funding or employment Employment as PhD student 4 years SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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." Selection among applicants meeting the requirements is made with reference to written application including curriculum vitae, copies of degrees and transcripts of academic records, one copy of the dissertation for masters or undergraduate degree, a list of at least two references familiar with the applicant's qualifications, certified knowledge of the English language and an interview. Read more about the PhD education in the Handbook for postgraduate students Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/ Applications, marked with ref no 2232/2010, must have arrived at the Registrar of SLU, P.O.