PhD student in Biology

Dept.of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology in Umeå 1 PhD student in the research education subject: Biology Molecular regulation of plant secondary growth The life-strategy of trees depends on an ability to grow to considerable heights and thus compete with other plants for light in forest ecosystems.This growth depends on a tree?s ability to form a thick stem, derived from the meristematic activity of the secondary vascular cambium.Although most of the standing terrestrial biomass can be attributed to the activity of this meristem, little is known about the molecular regulation of its activity.We have recently identified a gene which is necessary for the trees ability to grow a thick stem and this project will focus on understanding how this and related genes are controlling stem secondary growth.The knowledge developed within this project will be of great general scientific interest, but will also be of importance for our ability to enhance the speed of tree growth and wood formation. The PhD-position is within the Research School Trees and Crops for the Future; placement Umeå at Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC). UPSC is an internationally recognized centre in experimental plant biology and forest biotechnology.It also serves as an innovation platform for forest industries.UPSC hosts 4 National excellence centres and is leading the Swedish conifer genome sequencing.It consists of two departments, the Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University and the Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology from the Swedish Agricultural University.A total of about 180 persons from 35 countries are working here of which about 30 are group leaders. Qualifications Applicants should have a Master degree (minimum 4 years full time of university studies) with emphasis on biology and molecular biology.Practical experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and/or molecular genetics 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 PhD student 4 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.