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Sweden: PhD Positions in Wood Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Umeå Univ.

Closing date: April 27, 2006

The newly established Swedish Research Centre is interdisciplinary and aims to understand and link the genetics, biology and chemistry of key wood properties. The Centre is funded by the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning (FORMAS). The program uses Poplar as a model species and is built around a network of top-scientists with expertise in plant biology, chemistry and biotechnology located at Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC; www.upsc.se/ ), the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University (www.chem.umu.se/ ), WURC (www-wurc.slu.se/ ) and KTH (www.biotech.kth.se/woodbiotechnology/ ). A Stakeholder Advisory Board and a Scientific Advisory Board are also included in the organisation of FuncFiber.

Chemometrics focusing on functional genomics in wood biology. A PhD student position in chemometrics is available at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University. The research will involve experimental planning, establishing robust experimental protocols and data modeling and evaluation. It will apply a ‘systems biology approach’ that requires the integration of information from multiple parts of a biological system to understand the whole system. A major challenge is to utilize the information from multiple and different types of analytical platforms (e.g. NMR, PyMS and FTIR-imaging), that each provide unique fingerprints of the biological samples. Here, state-of-the-art chemometric methods, e.g. the OPLS methodology, will be used and where insufficient, new theories and methods will be developed. The goal is to predict interesting fiber properties from high-throughput analytical data and to establish the link between genes and wood properties. The project involves a close collaboration with wood chemists and wood biologists. The successful applicant should to be able to work independently as well as in collaboration. Practical experience in statistical experimental design and computer programming is a merit.
For further information, see www.umu.se/umu/aktuellt/arkiv/lediga_tjanster/313-995-06.html  or contact Dr Johan Trygg, johan.trygg@chem.umu.se , Ref. no. 313-995-06
Applications should be sent to: the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 UMEÅ, SWEDEN

Ultrastructural analysis of wood forming tissues. A PhD student position is available at the Department of Wood Science, SLU, Uppsala. The student is expected to use a range of conventional (light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy) and advanced microscopy techniques (cryo-SEM/TEM, 3-D tomography) in conjunction with immunoprofiling for structural and chemical characterization of wood forming tissues in Poplar. The project work involves close collaboration with groups specialized in molecular biology and genetics. The applicant should preferably have a background in plant biology and biochemistry/physics with knowledge in microscopy/imaging techniques considered a merit.
For further information contact Prof Geoffrey Daniel, geoffrey.daniel@trv.slu.se  or Dr Lada Filonova, lada.filonova@trv.slu.se  Ref. no. 1017/06. Applications should be sent to “Registrator”, SLU, Box 7070, SE-750 07 UPPSALA, SWEDEN.

Characterisation of glycosyltransferases involved in secondary growth in plants. A PhD student position is available at Umeå Plant Science Centre to study the role of glycosyltransferases (GTs) involved in secondary growth using Arabidopsis and Poplar systems. Recently we have identified and characterized a novel Arabidopsis GT mutant epc1 (The Plant Journal 43: 384-397, 2005) and further characterization of this mutant as well as mutants in related genes will be undertaken. Applicants for the position should be highly motivated and experience in some or all of the following disciplines is highly desirable - Arabidopsis genetics, molecular biology, wood biology, protein expression and purification. For further information contact Dr Alan Marchant, alan.marchant@genfys.slu.se  Ref. no. 1018/06 . Applications should be sent to “Registrator”, SLU, Box 7070, SE-750 07 UPPSALA, SWEDEN.

Wood development. A PhD student position is available at Umeå Plant Science Centre to study candidate genes for hemicellulose and pectin biosynthesis and modification in developing wood fibers, and determining their effects on wood properties. Strategies include transgenic approaches in Poplar and Arabidopsis, cDNA microarray analyses and protein localization studies.
For further information contact Dr Ewa Mellerowicz, ewa.mellerowicz@genfys.slu.se  Ref. no. 1019/06. Applications should be sent to “Registrator”, SLU, Box 7070, SE-750 07 UPPSALA, SWEDEN.

Mass spectrometry analysis of wood forming tissues. A PhD student position is available at Umeå Plant Science Centre. The student will combine traditional chemical analysis, with state-of-the art MS-analysis, such as GC/TOFMS, LC/TOFMS, LC/MSMS and pyrolysis-GC/MS for in-depth characterisation of wood forming tissues in Poplar with altered wood characteristics. The project involves close collaborations with wood biology and chemometrical expertises. The applicant should preferably have a background in analytical chemistry, and knowledge in mass spectrometry and plant chemistry is a merit.
For further information contact Prof Thomas Moritz, thomas.moritz@genfys.slu.se  or Prof Björn Sundberg, bjorn.sundberg@genfys.slu.se  Ref. no. 1020/06. Applications should be sent to “Registrator”, SLU, Box 7070, SE-750 07 UPPSALA, SWEDEN.

Biosynthesis of cellulose. A PhD student position is available at Umeå Plant Science Centre. The student will identify and perform functional analysis of genes putatively involved in cellulose biosynthesis in Poplar using molecular, microscopy and biochemical techniques. The project involves close collaboration with enzymology and biochemistry expertise. The applicant should have a background in plant and molecular biology, and experience from microarray analysis and cell wall biology is a merit.
For further information contact Prof Björn Sundberg, bjorn.sundberg@genfys.slu.se  Ref. no. 1021/06. Applications should be sent to “Registrator”, SLU, Box 7070, SE-750 07 UPPSALA, SWEDEN.

For all positions apply that the student will be enrolled in the Ph.D programme and is expected to fulfil course requirements and perform certain administrative functions. The position is full time and lasts for 48 months and the holder of the position is expected to achieve a Ph.D degree.

For additional information in matters pertaining to work conditions, contact the student ombudsperson +46 18 67 15 60, doktorandombudsmannen@slu.se , and labour union representatives Lars Lundqvist +46 90 786 84 07 (SACO) and Barbro Gunnarsson +46 90 786 82 48 (ST). At Umeå University, SACO, tel. +46 90 786 5153, SEKO-civil, tel. +46 90 786 5296 and also ST, tel. +46 90 786 5431.

Applications for PhD student positions, one complete application for each position marked with reference number, should include a short description of research interests, curriculum vitae, attested copies of certificates from university education, copies of relevant publications including Bachelor's/Masters' thesis, and contact details for at least two referees. Adequate skills in the English language are required for all positions. Closing date for application is April 27, 2006.