PhD Student in Biology

Department of Molecular Sciences We are announcing a position as PhD/ licentiate-student to be placed at the section of Food Biotechnology at the Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU Uppsala. The department consists of about 110 co-workers and generates, together with four other departments an inspiring research environment at Uppsala BioCentrum, situated at the SLU campus Ultuna in Uppsala. In the BioCentrum there is broad competence within plant biology, - pathology and -genetics, mycology, microbiology, food science, chemistry and biotechnology. We have access to advanced infrastructure, including fermentation facilities, genome sequencing equipment, advanced microscopy, X-ray -, mass- and NMR- spectroscopy. Our department is running research and teaching within chemistry, biochemistry, plant physiology, anaerobic microorganisms, food science and microbiology. Our research projects covers an area from enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic material, production of lipids, biochemicals and fish feed by yeasts, programmed cell death at plants, food science and food biotechnology. More information about our research is available at https://www.slu.se/en/departments/molecular-sciences/about-us/ . The position will be filled as part a project funded by The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet). Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/ Description: The project aims to understand the regulation of the lipid metabolism in the oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula toruloides and to establish this yeast as model for eukaryotic lipid metabolism- with consequences for biotechnology and treatment of diseases connected to disturbed lipid metabolism. The successful candidate will investigate genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes of high- and low lipid producing strains of R. toruloides. Results will be combined to reconstruct pathways of lipid synthesis and its regulation. The function of some of the identified genes and pathways will be tested by gene deletion/ overexpression in accordingly engineered strains. Qualifications: We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a MSc in microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or another relevant subject. Good abilities to communicate in English, both in writing and speaking are required. Experience in work with microorganisms, molecular cloning, biochemistry and bioinformatics are required. Knowledge of yeasts, preferable non-conventional yeasts, as well as microbial fermentation in bioreactors, experience in analysing and extracting lipids or other hydrophobic compounds from microorganisms, is desirable. The PhD-student will interact with a variety of other scientists in the group, thus, the ability to work in a team is essential. Place of work:       Ultuna, Uppsala Forms for funding or employment: Employment (4 years) Starting date: According to agreement Application: Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2024-12-15. To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level. Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https://www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/ Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport’s information page containing their photograph and personal details. Read about the PhD education at SLU at www.slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral-studies/ Academic union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/ The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.