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Ph.D. position in plant functional genomics

Published on 15/07/2020

Ph.D. position in plant functional genomics
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Plant Genomics Group (www.uhriglab.com)
Starting Date: January 2021

Introduction:
The University of Alberta is a Top 5 Canadian university. The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta offers a diverse and vibrant community for research and education. The main interests of the Uhrig lab are to understand how cells regulate their function using advanced proteomics, biochemical and genomics techniques. Several cellular processes are controlled by rapidly changing protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation. Protein phosphorylation is the most widely occurring PTM and is important for diverse processes like cancer, growth signaling, responses to stress and regular biological functioning in eukaryotic species. The Uhrig lab focuses on studying phosphorylation in the context of diurnal changes in light response using the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana and select crop species.
Research and Training:
To do this, the Uhrig lab predominantly train students in techniques such as systems-level quantitative proteomics, protein interactomics and plant molecular biology. The current project employs these techniques to better connect protein PTM events to other levels of cellular regulation. The PhD candidate will learn a variety of cutting-edge techniques, such as hands-on mass spectrometry and targeted biochemistry, amongst others and will seek to answer a fundamental question in biology about how different levels of cellular regulation interact and work together to allow complex organisms to grow under changing environmental cues. It is expected that the outcomes of this project will feed into collaborative applied research towards developing better crop varieties through genetic engineering, genome editing or advanced breeding. Within the general scope of the project, the student will be encouraged to develop independent and creative lines of inquiry, with support from Dr. Uhrig and other lab members. The student will be given training and support in a number of aspects of science including technical skills, communication and critical thinking to prepare them for careers in academia, industry, publishing and other fields.
Qualifications:
The applicant is expected to be cooperative, collaborative and have good written and spoken communication skills. Prior laboratory experience (depending upon individual circumstances) in biochemistry and plant science is preferred but not required. Prior computational experience (e.g. R or Python) is preferred but not required. As this project will intersect with other on-going biochemistry, genomics and gene-editing projects in the lab affording great opportunities for mutual learning and teamwork.
Eligibility, Admissions and Finances:
For all admission requirements and funding details on graduate studies in the Department of Biological Sciences, please refer to the Department of Biological Sciences website (https://www.ualberta.ca/biological-sciences/graduate-studies). Admission is subject to academic and English language requirements set by the Department (https://www.ualberta.ca/biological-sciences/graduate-studies/for-applicants). Interested students are highly encouraged to apply for eligible internal and external graduate student scholarships and will receive active support from the Uhrig lab in these funding applications (https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding/scholarships). Additional funding and financial aid opportunities for international students: https://www.ualberta.ca/graduate-studies/awards-and-funding/international-student-funding.
The Uhrig lab encourages students from all backgrounds and nationalities to apply, and offers a diverse, supportive and healthy work environment.
Appointment Start Date: January 2021 Closing Date for Applicants: August 15th 2020
Interested applicants should send a 2-page CV, unofficial transcript and contact information for 2 academic references to ruhrig[at]ualberta.ca (www.uhriglab.com). Applicants may be asked to interview in-person, online or via telephone, with reference letters requested at this time.