Research student (2 years) in Biology

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre in Alnarp 1 Research student (2 years) in the research education subject: Biology Endophytic fungi in the Dutch Elm Disease complex Dutch elm disease (DED), a vascular tree disease caused by Ophiostoma spp. fungi has caused severe losses to Swedish elm populations. Due to the effective spreading and the multiple species involved (elm hosts, fungi and beetles), DED is difficult to control and the practical options to manage the disease are currently limited. Several studies indicate that endophytic fungi, i.e. microfungi that live at least part of their life within plants without causing visible symptoms, may improve the host resistance against diseases. Thus, endophytes may provide new possibilities to suppress DED. Indeed, our recent studies indicate that the frequency and diversity of endophytic fungi in elms (Ulmus spp.) correlate with the degree of the host elm?s resistance against DED. Moreover, we have found that certain endophytes suppress the growth of the DED-pathogens through various mechanisms, e.g. through chemical substances that the endophytes send out into the growth medium. The aim of the research student project is to deepen our knowledge about the ecological and physiological functions of the endophytic fungi found in elms and to explore the potential of these fungi in practical control of vascular tree diseases, such as DED. The position (Licentiate student position with possible prolongation for a PhD student position) is based at SLU's Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre in Alnarp and it will be connected to an interdisciplinary research program on broadleaved forests planned at the Faculty of Forest Sciences, SLU. The research student will participate in SLU's Research School for Sustainable Management and Utilization of Forests (www.phd-forestry.se). Qualifications Applicants should have a Master degree (minimum 4 years full time of university studies) in biology or forestry. Practical experience in microscopy techniques and sterile work is a merit. The applicant should have good communication skills and proven skills in both oral and written scientific English. Forms for funding or employment Employment as Research student 2 years SLU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/postgraduate-studies/ Use this APPLICATION FORM http://epi-resurs.slu.se/Forskarutbildningsplatser/ansokningsblankett2_eng.doc For a complete advt: www.slu.se/lediga-jobb