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 Evolutionary pathways in plant development, from moss to higher plants Mosses and higher plants are separated by 450 million years of evolution. Still, homologues of many genes regulating higher plant development are present in moss. This project will address the question of how developmental programmes have evolved in land plants by assigning functions to these moss homologues. Initially, reporter gene constructs will be used to test whether genes regulating higher plant-specific inventions such as vascular systems and meristem activity are expressed at analogous sites also in mosses. We will also study the functions of the plant hormones auxin and cytokinin in mosses, and how these compare to their higher plant functions, where auxin acts as a prominent morphogen and cytokinin as a repressor of differentiation. Using reverse genetics in moss we will investigate whether auxin and cytokinin networks control analogous developmental processes in higher and lower plants and also whether the same genetic frameworks are used for hormonal control. We have extensive experience in work with both moss and higher plants and have preliminary data suggesting auxin biosynthesis to be spatio-temporally regulated by homologous genes in Arabidopsis and moss, and the position of local auxin peaks during development to be partially similar in the two plants. You will be working in a stimulating international environment. The Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics is one of six departments making up the new cluster Uppsala BioCenter at SLU - Ultuna (http://bioc.slu.se). The department contribute internationally recognised basic and applied science in the field of plant biology. For more information about the department visit our web page; www.vbsg.slu.se. Qualifications Higher university degree in biology/molecular biology/biotechnology engineering (Degree of Master or Master of Science) with emphasis on plant physiology, developmental biology, molecular genetics, evolution, bioinformatics or corresponding topics. The selection will be based on the written application, cv, diploma/examwork, personal references, good knowledge in English and an interview. 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 120 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 about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/PhD Use this APPLICATION FORM http://www.slu.se/UserFiles/File/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc For a complete advt: http://www.slu.se/phdadvert