Post Doc inn plant cell biology/biochemistry

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Plant Biology & Forest Genetics , Uppsala Post Doc in plant cell biology/biochemistry SLU develops the understanding and sustainable use of biological natural resources.This is achieved through research, teaching, environmental monitoring and assessment and information extension.SLU has 3 000 employees, 4 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students.Main campuses are located at Alnarp, Skara, Uppsala and Umeå.www.slu.se A 1-year (possible one year extension) postdoctoral position is immediately available in Prof.Kost's research team at SLU in Uppsala to biochemically identify and characterize Rho signalling complexes in tobacco pollen tubes Job description: Vegetative pollen tube cells elongate extremely rapidly and in a strictly polarized manner, as they grow through flower tissue to mediate fertilization.Tobacco pollen tubes grow well in culture and are an excellent model system to investigate molecular mechanism responsible for the polarization of eukaryotic cells, a process essential for the differentiation, division and motility of single cells, as well as for the development of multicellular organisms.We have established that the Rho family small GTPase Nt-Rac5 accumulates at the apical plasma membrane of elongating tobacco pollen tubes and controls the directional growth of these cells.Our recent work has shown that complex interactions between different regulatory factors maintain the polarization of Nt-Rac5 signalling and cell expansion at the tip of elongating tobacco pollen tubes.Based on these and other studies, tobacco pollen tubes are now among the best characterized systems with respect to the spatial control of Rho signalling (Kost 2008, Trends Cell Biol 18, 119).In addition to further characterize the regulation of Nt-Rac5 activity, we have begun to investigate downstream signalling cascades stimulated by this activity, which coordinate the different cellular processes underlying pollen tube growth (actin reorganisation, membrane trafficking etc.). The successful applicant will biochemically characterize physical interactions between Nt-Rac5 and a number of established/putative regulators or effectors of this protein.He/she will also purify endogenous Nt-Rac5 signalling complexes from tobacco pollen tube extracts, and identify the components of these complexes.This research will improve our understanding of the molecular control of the polarization of eukaryotic cells, of the directional expansion of plant cells, as well as of the development of multicellular organisms. Qualifications: We are looking forward to working together with a highly motivated, goal-oriented and communicative researcher with a PhD degree in biology, an excellent command of English and a strong background in protein biochemistry.SLU is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome your application marked with ref no 1973/09. The application should be written in English.For a complete advt: personal.slu.se/job