PhD student in Biology

Plant Biology and Forest Genetics in Uppsala 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Biology, specifically Molecular Genetics Role of the two Rho effectors in the control of polarplant cell growth A PhD position is available in the research team of Prof. B. Kost (new appointee starting in June 2008) at the SLU Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics (BioCenter; http://www.vbsg.slu.se) to investigate molecular mechanisms regulating polar cell expansion in plants. Pollen tubes elongate rapidly based on actin-dependent tip-directed secretion of cell wall material, as they grow through flower tissue to mediate fertilization required for seed production. Tobacco pollen tubes grew well in culture and are an excellent model system to study polarized cell growth, a process essential for cell and organ morphogenesis throughout plant development. We have established that the Rho GTPase Nt-Rac5 accumulates at the apical plasma membrane of elongating tobacco pollen tubes and controls the growth of these cells. Our recent work has shown that complex functional interactions between different regulatory factors maintain the polarization of Nt-Rac5 signalling and cell expansion during pollen tube tip growth (Kost 2008, Trends Cell Biol 18, 119). Now, we are investigating how signalling cascades stimulated by activated Nt-Rac5 coordinate cellular processes required for tip growth (actin reorganisation, membrane trafficking). In close collaboration with a postdoctoral fellow, the successful applicant for this Ph.D. student position will employ a combination of molecular biological, biochemical, cell biological and genetic experiments to functionally characterize two novel putative downstream effectors of Nt-Rac5 (Nt-UP1, Nt-Ric), which specifically interact with activated forms of this protein in yeast two-hybrid assays. This research will improve our understanding of the control of polar cell growth and morphogenesis in plants, provide much needed information concerning Rho-dependent signalling pathways in these organisms and contribute to the development of novel concept for crop improvement. Qualifications: We are looking forward to welcome to our team a highly motivated, goal-oriented and communicative individual holding an MSc degree in biology (or similar), preferentially with a background in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or cell biology. Form for funding or employment: Four year PhD studentship 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." Use this APPLICATION FORM http://www.slu.se/UserFiles/File/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc and for a complete advd: http://www.slu.se/?id=780&sp=eng