Umeå University - with its 29,000 students and over 4,000 employees – is an organisation in constant change and development. The university’s researchers carry out excellence within several areas of research, and many of them are among the world’s elite. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.

A post doc position at Umeå Plant Science Centre on xylem formation

The post doc project deals with programmed cell death of xylem elements in the vascular tissues of plants and its impact on wood formation in forest trees (c.f. Moreau et al., Genome Biology 6/4/R34; Moreau et al., Plant J. published online: Dec 16 2008). The aim of the project is to focus on a few selected candidate genes, and to analyse their function in the control of cell death of xylem elements using various molecular techniques such as reverse and forward genetics in Arabidopsis thaliana, molecular and genetic approaches in forest trees (aspen or spruce), and xylem/wood analytics with chemical, radiographic and microscopic techniques.

The requested experimental skills include a solid background in molecular biology. Experience of microscopic techniques is a merit. Good social skills, ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with others and good skills in the English language are valued. The post doc position is placed at the department of Plant Physiology, which is part of Umeå Plant Science Centre (www.upsc.se).

To qualify for the position, the applicant should have a PhD degree or equivalent, preferably not more than 3 years old.

Questions or inquires about the position can be answered by Hannele Tuominen, tel. +46-(0)90-786 9693, hannele.tuominen@plantphys.umu.se.

Union information is available from SACO, +46-(0)90-786 53 65,
SEKO civil, +46-(0)90-786 52 96 and ST, +46-(0)90-786 54 31.

Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae, a statement of previous research achievements, a publication list and two letters of reference.

Applications will be discarded or, if the applicant so wishes, returned two years after the position has been filled. Documents sent electronically should be in MS Word or PDF format.

Your complete application, marked with reference number 315-66-09, should be sent to jobb@umu.se or to the Registrar, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden to arrive February 27, 2009 at the latest.

We look forward receiving your application!