PhD Student in Molecular Biology

The University of Skövde is an expansive university that offers both traditional and unique educational programs within a number of different areas.The University employs at the present time approx.500 people with 8200 students and constitutes an important resource for regional development.The University focuses on three thematic schools: Humanities and Informatics, Technology and Society and Life Sciences.Research activities are presently concentrated toward a few strong settings.The campus, located in central Skövde, offers a creative environment with excellent possibilities for development for employees and students.The University has a diverse profile where the organization in all respects reflects the diversity of the surrounding society. The School of Life Sciences is seeking to recruit a PhD Student in Molecular Biology Ref No.HS 2009/39-42 A Ph.D.position is available in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Skövde, Sweden.The project involves characterization of genes responsible for uptake and accumulation of arsenics in cultivated rice plants.The goal of this project is to develop genetically modified rice for prevention of arsenic contamination in collaboration with the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.Arabidopsis thaliana will be used for initial isolation and cloning of the target genes which will then be transferred to cultivated varieties of rice.The ideal candidate should have a MS Degree (or equivalent) in the field of plant molecular biology, genetics or toxicology.The candidate will be associated with the research team of the University of Skövde working on physiology, pharmacology and toxicology (P2T).Applicants having familiarity with various molecular techniques for DNA, RNA and protein analysis are preferred.Candidates with applied knowledge in recombinant DNA technology, tissue culture and genetic transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana and/or rice are strongly encouraged to apply.In addition, the experience in computational molecular biology, statistical data analysis, experimental design, and writing and presentation of scientific reports are desirable for this position.Fluency in written and spoken English is required.The majority of the members of our research team are men.Female candidates are therefore, highly encouraged to apply for this position.Salary will be paid according to existing agreement.The employment is time-limited to a maximum of five years and comprises 100 %.Solely an applicant who is or will be accepted for PhD Studies may be employed as a PhD Student.For acceptance to PhD Studies the applicant's capacity to benefit from doctoral studies will be assessed.For further information regarding this position, please contact Dr.All applications must include one page personal statement describing interest in the project with relevant publications (if any), a brief description of previous research activities, and present research interests, and a CV (including diplomas/degrees including years), transcripts (academic records), and other relevant documents.For full consideration, complete application package should be reached to the Registrar, University of Skövde, P. O. Box 408, SE-541 28 Skövde, Sweden, on or before the February 23, 2009.