PhD student in Tree molecular biology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Dept.of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology in Umeå 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Tree molecular biology Improving biomass for biofuels by modification of wood hemicelluloses The PhD project aims at elucidation of xylan-pectin-lignin interactions in cell walls.Xylan and lignin are most important repositories of carbon within the terrestial biomass, and major determinants of lignocellulose conversion to biofuels.Xylan and lignin are known to interact in cell wall, and pectin is hypothesized to be involved in lignin polymerization.Moreover, there appears to be a cross-talk between xylan and pectin biosynthesis pathways.To elucidate these interactions, xylan and pectin biosynthesis and structure will be modified in transgenic hybrid aspen and Arabidopsis thaliana using either native biosynthetic genes or genes of wood-degrading fungi.Effects of these modifications on cell wall organization and on lignocellulose properties will be assessed with an array of biochemical, spectroscopy- and microscopy- based approaches.Nine PhD students will be hired within the programme.PhD training will be provided within the Bioimprove programme and the graduate training of UPSC and the KBC centre of Umeå University (www.kbc.umu.se). Qualifications Applicants must have completed a research degree (e.g., Master's) or university study of 240 hp (4 years) in molecular biology, biochemistry, chemistry or equivalent.Previous experience in molecular biology, plant biology, microscopy techniques and/or spectroscopic tools is an advantage.Good social skills, ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others and good skills in English language are valued.Evaluations will be based on the results of the university courses, quality of master's thesis, personal references, interviews and the letter of intent.A PhD education is 4 years during which time a student has a PhD position (Sw: "doktorandanställning").Time for PhD may be extended if the student participates in teaching. Forms for funding or employment Employment as PhD student 4 years 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/PhD Use this APPLICATION FORM http://www.slu.se/UserFiles/File/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc For a complete advt: personal.slu.se/job