Post doctor position in Molecular Plant Science - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Organismal Biology teaches and explores the evolution, development and function on the organismal level. For more information see www.iob.uu.se.

The Post doctor position in Molecular Plant Science at the Dept. of Organismal Biology, Physiological Botany. Physiological Botany is part of the Linnean Centre for Plant Biology in Uppsala, www.lcpu.se, and the Evolutionary Biology Centre (EBC), http://ebc.uu.se/?languageId=1. Physiological Botany is located at Uppsala BioCenter.

Duties: You will be working in a project, aiming at an understanding of the gene regulatory networks governing vascular and root development in young Norway spruce (Picea abies) plants. While we have detailed knowledge of wood formation in angiosperms, primarily the model plant Arabidopsis, we know considerably less about wood formation in the distantly related conifers. However, we now have methods
for genetic transformation of spruce somatic embryos established, and the genome sequenced, allowing comparative and functional analyses also in the previously relatively inaccessible conifers (reviewed in Uddenberg et al., 2015, Front Plant Sci. 6:970). You will have access to already acquired RNA sequencing data from different tissues of the root to generate a map of gene expression. You will generate
additional RNA sequences from developmental stages in which wood-formation is initiated, and this will be compared to gene expression profiles in adult wood, and comparable stages in angiosperms. From this data, you will determine co-expression profiles and generate hypotheses of genetic networks. Furthermore, you will test selected gene functions in planta by assessing phenotypic and molecular responses in transformed plants miss-expressing the gene of interest. The over-arching goal is to get a better understanding of the genetic and molecular regulation of early vascular development, in relation to adult wood formation, to facilitate functional analyses (which by necessity have to be done in young plants) and ultimately the generation of early selectable markers for desirable biomass and wood traits. The project is funded by the Swedish research council FORMAS.

Requirements: To be eligible for the position, the applicant must have a PhD degree or equivalent, in molecular plant sciences, bioinformatics or related fields. The applicant’s PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application date. The PhD can be older than three years if there are special circumstances. Such special circumstances can be periods of sick leave, parental leave etc., which are deducted from the three-year period.

Applicants must have a great interest in research and demonstrated ability to produce work of excellent quality and international impact. Well documented knowledge in bioinformatics, especially RNAseq data analyses, as well as plant genetics and molecular biology is a requirement for the position. The applicant must have good communication skills in English and be able to express him/herself clearly and succinctly in both oral and written form. Large emphasis is put on the applicant’s personal abilities, including ability to collaborate and take own initiatives.

Application: The application should contain your CV, publication list, PhD diploma, a short description (2-4 pages) of previous research, current research interests and other activities of relevance for the position, as well as reference letters from two reference persons, along with their contact details. All application documents should be written in English.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: Individually negotiated salary.

Starting date: 1 september or as otherwise agreed.

Type of position: Temporary position. The position is 2 years. 

For further information about the position please contact Annelie Carlsbecker, annelie.carlsbecker@ebc.uu.se

Please submit your application by 17 September 2018, UFV-PA 2018/1802.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.