Post doctoral researcher

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. The Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics, Uppsala herby annonuces a Postdoctoral position - Control of polar cell growth by Rho GTPase signalling A 2-year postdoctoral position (full social benefits) is available in Prof.Kost's research team at SLU in Uppsala, to investigate molecular mechanisms regulating polar cell expansion in plants.Pollen tubes elongate rapidly based on actin-dependent tip-directed secretion of cell wall material, as they grow in a strictly polarized manner through flower tissue to mediate fertilization.Tobacco pollen tubes grow well in culture and are an excellent model system to study polarized cell growth, a process essential for cell and organ morphogenesis throughout plant development.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 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 studying the regulation of Nt-Rac5 activity, we have begun to investigate how signalling cascades stimulated by this activity coordinate cellular processes required for tip growth (actin reorganisation, membrane trafficking).In close collaboration with a Ph.D.student, the successful applicant for this postdoctoral position will employ a combination of biochemical, molecular biological, cell biological and genetic experiments to functionally characterize two novel putative downstream effectors of Nt-Rac5 (Nt-UP1, Nt-Ric), which specifically interact with activated forms of this protein in yeast two-hybrid assays.This research will improve our understanding of the control of polar cell growth and morphogenesis in plants, provide much needed information concerning Rho-dependent signalling pathways in these organisms and contribute to the development of novel concepts for crop improvement. 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 biochemistry as well as molecular biology. SLU is an equal opportunity employer. Applications should contain cover letter, CV, publication list and names/addresses of two or more references.Please submit your application to the Registrar of SLU, P.O.