M.Sc. position in plant systems biology

Department of Biological Sciences

Plant Genomics Group (www.uhriglab.com)

Introduction:

The M.Sc. position will be based in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the laboratory of Dr. R. Glen Uhrig.

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 plant 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, Arabdiopsis thaliana.

Research and Training:

To do this, the Uhrig lab predominantly trains students in techniques such as systems-level quantitative proteomics, protein interactomics and plant molecular biology. The current project employs these techniques to better connect changes in the plant proteome to other levels of cellular regulation. Accordingly, the M.Sc. student will gain experience with cutting-edge proteomic and metabolomics mass spectrometry technologies and seek to answer a fundamental question in biology related to how different levels of cellular regulation interact 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:

We are looking for qualified students who will enroll into the graduate program at the University of Alberta.

The M.Sc. student is expected to be cooperative, collaborative and have good written and spoken communication skills.

Prior wet laboratory experience (depending upon individual circumstances) in biochemistry or chemistry is preferred.

Proficiency with at least one programming language (e.g. Python and/or R) is required.
Experience with large data management is preferred.

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: September 1st 2020 (later date may be possible)

Closing Date for Applicants: July 31st 2020

Otherwise, interested applicants should send a 2-page CV and 2 academic references to ruhrig[at]ualberta.ca (www.uhriglab.com). Applicants may be asked to interview in-person, online or via telephone.
Source: https://alluniversitynews.com/2020/06/fully-funded-msc-and-phd-in-biological-science-at-university-of-alberta/