PhD student in Plant Molecular Biology

A PhD position is open at Umeå Plant Science Centre, Department of plant physiology, Umeå University.The PhD student will work within the project ?Retrograde signalling and plant stress?.The aim of our research is to dissect and elucidate the signalling pathways between the chloroplast and the nucleus that regulate the expression of nuclear encoded genes.We use an integrative approach with a combination of genetics, molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry to understand the language of the chloroplasts.The function of the eukaryotic cell depends on the regulated and reciprocal interaction between its different compartments.This includes not only the exchange of metabolic intermediates and energy equivalents but also information.The presence of genes encoding organellar proteins in different cellular compartments requires a tight coordination of expression from the different genomes in the cell.The necessity of a tight coordination of gene expression has led to the evolution of mechanisms to coordinate nuclear and organellar gene expression.Organelle-to-nucleus communication, via so-called retrograde signals emitted from the organelles, coordinates the expression of nuclear genes encoding organellar proteins with the metabolic and developmental state of the plastid and mitochondria.Retrograde signals are not only essential for coordinating gene expression, they are also essential for mediating plant stress responses.In the plant cell the chloroplasts act as sensors of environmental changes and complex networks of plastid signals assist the cell during plant stress responses.The student will elucidate the signalling pathways originating in the chloroplast that are essential to plant stress responses.The student will be trained in state-of-the-art techniques in Arabidopsis genetics, plant molecular biology and biochemistry and will work in a highly stimulating environment at Umeå Plant Science Centre.The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (?Högskoleförordningen?Chapters 5 and 7).Prerequisites include either i)240 ECTS credits (swe.Högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level) with focus on Molecular Biology or ii) 120 Swedish (old) credits (swe.Poäng; corresponding to 180 ECTS credits) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007.Advanced courses, or other experience in genomics, plant physiology and genetics are of advantage.Experience with laboratory work is essential as well as evidence of ability in written and oral communication in English.The application should contain a CV and relevant documentation, and a personal letter of one A4 page describing yourself and your reasons for applying to this position.Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled.Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.