PhD in Plant Biology and Biotechnology

Introduction

The objective of this programme is to train professional in research in all fields of plant biology and biotechnology. On the programme there are lecturers and researchers with consolidated experience in the areas of botany, plant physiology and plant biochemistry at the UAB, as well as researchers from the Agricultural Genomics Research Centre (CRAG) who specialise in plant genetic and molecular biology. The professional opportunities for PhDs from the Plant Biology and Biotechnology programme include an academic and research career in universities, institutes and research centres and R+D departments of biotechnology and/or plant improvement companies.

Other possibilities include research and development of new methodologies in the field of identification and conservation of plant germoplasm (germoplasm collections, botanical gardens) and the identification, evaluation and improvement of plant products used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Candidate profile

The specific requirements of this PhD programme aim to establish a student profile that maximises the chances of success on the programme. Students should have recognised research experience, thorough knowledge the basic concepts and tools in plant biology and an ability to assimilate new knowledge.

Professional opportunities

This PhD programme provides the following principal career options:

• Researcher at national and international universities and research institutions.
• Researcher in different company R&D+I departments:
  • Seeds and genetic improvement of plants
  • Phytosanitary products
  • Agrofood
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetics
  • Natural products
  • Bioenergy sources
• Responsibility for collections and conservation of plant germoplasma in botanical gardens and national and international collection centres.
• Business owner.
• Consultant.
• Teaching at university or secondary level
• Plant biotechnology product management.
• Scientific publishing management.

Objectives and justification

The PhD in Plant Biology and Biotechnology programme has the fundamental aim of preparing students to be able to begin and complete an original and innovative research project, which is done through the doctoral thesis, and is aimed at training in research and the capacity to be able to carry out research projects in the public sector and in companies on the national and international levels.

One of the principles and concerns of this doctoral programme is to train researchers to an excellent level of quality so that they can work in the different specific fields of this discipline.

Research infrastructure

Besides the physical resources for teaching and research that the UAB provides for all its PhD programmes, students on this programme can also make use of the following research infrastructures.

• Workspaces for PhD students.
• Research laboratories.
• Specific equipment and large scientific facilities such as the ALBA Synchrotron.
• Infrastructures for document searching and information retrieval and online networking.

Coordinator

Roser Tolrà Pérez

Administration

Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology
Faculty of Biosciences
Building C - Office C1/023
Contact: gestio.doctorat.bave@uab.cat
Phone numbers: +34 93 581 2618 / +34 93 581 3786