Postdoctoral position

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics, Uppsala Postdoctoral position Regulation of glycoalkaloid biosynthesis in the potato 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, 5 000 undergraduate and postgraduate students Main campuses are located at Alnarp, Skara, Umeå and Uppsala .www.slu.se www.ekon.slu.se Project description: We are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral researcher to investigate the biosynthesis of steroidal glycoalkaloids in the potato.Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGA) are neurotoxic defence substances that are present in some members of the Solanaceae family, including important crop species such as potato, tomato, and eggplant.While the importance of a low SGA level is recognized within today s quality assessment of potato tubers, the SGA metabolism as such is poorly understood.The project will include studies of stress responses in potato tubers, using a broad set of techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, microarray, and heterologous gene expression in bacteria and transgenic plants.Results will be of significant value within potato breeding and post-harvest handling of potato tubers, as well as for understanding the evolution of metabolic pathways in plants.Qualifications: The applicant should have a PhD degree in plant biochemistry or plant molecular biology, awarded not more than three years ago at the time of application.Documented experience with molecular biology techniques is expected, and HPLC and GC-MS skills are a merit.The applicant should also have adequate skills in the English language, and be able to easily communicate and discuss research results.The Department of Plant Biology and Forest Genetics, SLU, Uppsala, will act as the hosting department.The department offers a creative and stimulating international environment, and is one of six departments that will make up the new cluster ?Uppsala BioCenter?at SLU.The research group and the department contributes to internationally recognized basic and applied science in plant biology; for more information visit the web page at www.vbsg.slu.se Project funding and start: Funding is for a one-year post-doctoral fellowship according to current SLU guidelines, and with an extension possibility for one additional year.Project start will be in September 2010, with some flexibility.SLU is an equal opportunity employer.Salaries are negotiated on an individual basis.A short description of previous research, current research interests and other activities of relevance.All documents should be written in English.