项目介绍

2024年12月3日

Function

Are you an enthusiastic plant scientist who wants to study how the seed microbiome shapes seed performance, then we are looking for you!

This PhD project is part of the recently funded open technology project MiSeed, “The hidden potential of the seed microbiome: How does the seed microbiome shape seed performance and plant drought resilience?”. Plants grow in interaction with microbes in order to survive. These microbes can enter the next plant generation of the plant via the seed. The main research questions of this project are 1) to determine whether plant genetics and seed characteristics affect the recruitment of microbes, 2) to identity microbes that contribute to seed and plant performance under drought stress and 3) to understand the mechanisms underlying these beneficial plant-microbe interactions.

Overall, this research contributes to improving seed and plant performance in a changing environment. For this project we have two PhD positions open, one at the the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at Wageningen University and Research and the other at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). The project will be carried out using two model plants: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and lettuce (Latuca sativa). Besides carrying out the research project, you will contribute to teaching and supervising MSc and BSc students.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the Laboratory of Plant Physiology chair group which is led by Prof. Christa Testerink. You will be member of the Wageningen Seed Science Centre and be co-supervised by Prof dr Leónie Bentsink and dr Rumyana Karlova.

Function Requirements

You have / You are:

• obtained an MSc degree with a specialization in Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology or related programs;
• experience in (plant) genetics, molecular biology approaches;
• affinity with plant-microbe interactions and/or plant physiology;
• experience with experimental research on seeds or the microbiome is an advantage;
• demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills;
• creative and you work in a structured and focused way;
• basic bioinformatic skills (e.g. basic command of R);
• an enthusiastic team player and have good communication and English language skills;
• willing to contribute to teaching MSc and BSc students.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Contactinformation

or more information about this position, please contact Prof. Leónie Bentsink, Personal Professor, leonie.bentsink@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter, vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl