In light of a Joint Research Project in the Biobased Economy Program between NWO and FAPESP (Brazil) the Laboratory of Virology is searching for a suitable candidate for a PhD project. The research is performed as a collaboration with researchers from Sao Paolo State (University of Sao Paulo, Institute of Biology, EMBRAPA). We aim to understand the molecular biology and ecology of plant-virus-vector relationships in order to develop sustainable, integrated management strategies against viruses of economic importance to Brazil and the Netherlands. Within this project, the PhD student will investigate the enhanced transcriptional gene silencing against geminiviruses conferred by the tomato Ty-1 resistance gene, and the role of the RNA polymerases RDRα and RDRγ in the antiviral RNAi response against RNA and DNA viruses. Additionally, the PhD student will assist in BSc and/or MSc courses of Wageningen University in the field of Virology.

Academic degree with experience in (plant) molecular-biological and biochemical tools. The student should be able to work independently as well as in a team, be pro-active and creative and in possession of good communication skills (written and spoken). Experience with virological research is highly recommended and a background in plant pathology is a pre-requisite.

We offer a full-time position (38 hours), initially for 1 year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on extension with another three years. Gross salary per month € 2.222 ,= in the first year, building op to € 2.840,= per month in the 4th year, for a fulltime appointment. The candidate will be based at the Laboratory of Virology in Wageningen. During the course of the PhD study, the student will participate in the educational program of the Graduate School "Experimental Plant Sciences" (EPS).

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.

The Laboratory of Virology is part of the Plant Sciences Group of Wageningen University and is situated at the recently established Wageningen Campus. Currently, over 30 researchers, including technicians, PhD students and Postdocs are employed at the Laboratory of Virology and contribute to a lively, research-driven work environment. Research at the Laboratory of Virology concentrates on various animal-, insect- and plant viruses, amongst which Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). The latter two are representatives of the Tospoviruses and Geminiviruses, respectively, and belong to the economically most important plant viruses worldwide. During the past decade, research on these viruses has focussed on plant defence mechanisms, with emphasis on RNA silencing and resistance (R) genes. From the virus point of view, we look at viral counter defence and evasion strategies, involving viral RNA silencing suppressor proteins and resistance breaking isolates.