Doctoral student in Biology with a focus on Molecular Biology

Subject description

Biology is a broad subject about all living things. It encompasses everything from processes at the molecular and cellular level to global processes at ecosystem level. The subject is divided into a range of sub-disciplines and specializations. The PhD program at the Department of Biology includes many of these specializations, from molecular biology to applied ecology, from viruses and individual cells to evolutionary biology and global biodiversity. Taking on research studies at the Department of Biology generally means focusing on a delimited part of the research area of biology and may include field studies, experiments, theoretical studies, or a combination of these.

Mechanical stimulation is a significant factor in the way plants are aware of upcoming pest/herbivore attack, and helps them plan their growth and development by attaching to or evading obstacles, adjust growth rates and reproduction, adapt to highly weather-exposed environments, etc. Although ‘touch’ responses in plants have important physiological roles, the underlying molecular signalling pathways are not fully understood. Very little is known about which sensor proteins can detect the mechanical stimuli, or how this initial signal is transmitted from e.g. the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Research in the Van Aken laboratory has identified regulators that are crucial for this rapid signalling, but much is left to be explored. Mechanical stimulation of plants affects biomass, flowering, but also stress resistance and yield. Therefore, breeding novel crop varieties with altered touch responsiveness, and implementing controlled mechanical treatments in the field or in commercial greenhouses, provide promising avenues for higher-yielding and environment-friendly agriculture.

This project aims to unravel key processes that control touch responsiveness in plants and explore how this knowledge can be applied to improve crop yield and sustainable agriculture by focusing on two core aspects:

1)   What is the signalling cascade that perceives and transmits mechanical stimulation within seconds and results in genome-wide gene expression changes within 5-25 minutes?

2)   What is the impact of touch signalling in cereal crops on yield and stress resistance? Can we use controlled mechanical treatment to prevent cereal lodging, the unwanted falling over of cereals resulting in yield loss?  

Work duties

The researcher will join the Van Aken lab with a focus on molecular signaling in plants, as part of the Molecular Biosciences section at the Department of Biology. The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art molecular, biochemical and genomic facilities to conduct the research. The candidate will also have opportunities to collaborate with international groups and supervise master and/or bachelor students.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Biology if the applicant has passed an independent project (for example a degree project) of at least 30 credits in a relevant subject and has good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements:

• Advanced education in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related fields, with laboratory work experience in Molecular Biology, genetics and/or plant physiology, in total equivalent to a Master Degree of 240 credits. The Master's Degree must be completed before admission.
• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English.
• Highly motivated with strong ability to work independently as well as to collaborate within a research group.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycles. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of the ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills.
4. Other experience relevant to the third cycle studies, for example professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

In addition to the mandatory requirements, documented experience in the following areas will be considered as strong merits:

• Practical experience in working with Arabidopsis thaliana, cereals or other model plant species is of merit.
• Practical experience in molecular and biochemical techniques such as sequencing, genotyping, bioinformatics, PCR, RNA work, transcriptome analysis, protein extraction, western blot, (confocal) microscopy
• Experience with field work.
• Driver’s license to be able to reach field stations for field work.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, self-motivation and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1–7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for 2-3 references, letters of recommendation, etcetera).