6 postdoctoral fellowships and 1 PhD studentship are available at Umeå Plant Science Centre, the centre for experimental plant biology in Sweden (www.upsc.se). The postdoctoral fellowships are 11 years and the salary will be in the range 14,000 – 16,500 SEK per month (tax free), depending on experience. Closing date for application is 30th April . Applicants should submit a full curriculum vitae including 2 references to the leader of the corresponding project.
Functional characterization of phloem specific genes. A transcriptional analysis of the wood-forming region of poplar was performed at the UPSC and genes more specifically expressed in the phloem region were identified. The project consists of the functional analysis of these genes and will integrate modern genetics, molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry. Candidates should be skilled in molecular biology techniques and show a strong interest in plant developmental biology. Leader: Dr. Catherine Bellini. Tel : 464, Email:
Hormonal regulation of fibre length. Gibberellins has been shown to be important regulators of xylem fibre length in woody species. The project will focus on the functional analysis of GA regulated fibre growth, as well as localised control of GA biosynthesis. The project will cover many aspects of modern biology, and integrate molecular biology, cell biology and analytical chemistry. Candidates should be skilled in molecular biology techniques and show a strong interest in plant developmental biology. Leader: Dr. Thomas Moritz. Tel : 465, Email:
Elucidating the Mg-ProtoIX mediated signalling pathway. Mg-ProtoIX has been identified as a link between the chloroplast and nucleus. A genetic approach utilizing a suppressor screen for one of the genome uncoupled mutants (gun5) affected in the Mg-ProtoIX pathway will be used to identify downstream components communicating the Mg-ProtoIX signal to the nucleus. Candidates should have experience in genetics and molecular biology. Leader: Dr. Åsa Strand, Email:
Cross talk between light and plastid signalling pathways. Several indications suggest there is a close connection between light and plastid signals. Different light response mutants, plastid signalling mutants and chloroplast development mutants will be used to create a map of the relationship between light response and chloroplast function and development. Candidates should have experience in genetics and molecular biology. Leader: Dr. Åsa Strand, Email:
Wood formation in poplar. The project involves a) high resolution microarray analysis of wood development and b) functional analysis of ethylene/cell wall biosynthesis genes and their regulation using poplar as a model and state of the art methodology. The work will be integrated into ongoing projects which will assure a flying start. Experience in molecular biology is required, and an interest in wood biology would be an advantage. Leader: Dr. Björn Sundberg, Email:
Cell wall modification during wood development. Wood cell differentiation involves a highly regulated changes to cell wall composition and architecture ensuring differential cell expansion of various cell types in the wood. Key enzymes modifying the hemicelluloses in the developing wood were identified by global transcript profiling. The functional characterisation of these enzymes in Arabidopsis as a model system is the main focus of this project. Candidates should have experience in genetics and molecular biology. Experience in cell wall carbohydrate analysis and microscopy is an asset. Leader: Dr. Ewa Mellerowicz, Email:
PhD studentship. A PhD studentship is available in plant molecular biology within the UPSC graduate school. The aim of the project is to elucidate the mechanism(s) through which plastids communicate with the nucleus during early light response and chloroplast development. During this project the student will gain experience in modern plant genetics and molecular biology. Candidates should have a Master degree or equivalent in molecular biology. Experience with laboratory work is essential. Leader: Dr. Åsa Strand, Email:
