PhD student position in Plant Physiology

PhD student position in Plant Physiology at the Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences. Reference number SU FV-1119-14. Deadline for applications: May 15, 2014.


The Department of Ecology, Environment, and Plant Sciences at Stockholm University (www.su.se/emb) conducts research and education in ecology, environmental science, physiology and systematics. The PhD project will be linked to a research team with researchers, graduate students and postdocs studying botany, ecology, evolution, ocean, climate change impacts and the environment.

Project: Host function, diversity, and activity in marine planktonic diatom-cyanobacteria symbioses
Some of the most striking examples of symbioses are between N2 fixing cyanobacteria and planktonic eukaryotic populations of diatoms. These partnerships are highly specific and quite common in low nutrient areas of the open ocean and are considered a major source of new nitrogen and primary production. To date, we know that N2 is fixed by the symbiotic cyanobacteria and transferred to the host diatom. Genomes were recently sequenced for several of the symbiotic cyanobacteria, however, we know precious little about the diversity of the host diatoms and what (if any) is the benefit to the symbiont in the partnership. The primary aims of the project will investigate the diversity, function, and metabolic activity of the eukaryotic host diatoms. None of the symbioses have been brought into culture so efforts to isolate the symbioses will also be included. Previously described methods for stable isotope probing (SIP) and molecular diversity (standard PCR and sequencing) will be used. New methods for single cell genome sequencing and imaging will be developed. International field investigations, including expeditions on research cruises, are expected.

The successful candidate should have a M.Sc. in biology, plant science, or a marine discipline (e.g. marine microbiology). Experience in microbiology, molecular methodologies, and bioinformatics are not prerequisites but an advantage. The applicant should be willing to travel, spend time abroad at collaborator laboratories, and in the field.

Eligibility
Basic eligibility requires a degree at advanced level, completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, including 60 credits at advanced level, or otherwise, within or outside the country acquired the equivalent knowledge.

The person before 1 July 2007 fulfilled the requirements for general jurisdiction, i.e. at least 180 credits or equivalent, basic eligibility until the end of June 2015.

As a graduate student, only the employed who are or have been admitted to doctoral education at a college. Employment as a PhD student/admissions to postgraduate level should be considered primarily at the level of ability to benefit from postgraduate level.

Selection
Selection of applicants is done with respect to the ability to benefit from postgraduate level. Of particular importance is their knowledge and skills in the subject, the ability to express themselves verbally and in writing in English, analytical ability, creativity, initiative and independence, and an ability to work with other researchers. The selection will be based on the relevance of previous education and experience, grades from previous university courses (especially at the advanced level), quality and ambition of the project work, references, cover letter justifying the applicant's interest and an interview.

Admission reg