A 4-year PhD position in plant defenses in tomato funded by the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO) is available at the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam (UvA), Netherlands. 

In this project we will investigate the interaction between plant-eating mites and plants (predominantly tomato, bean and Arabidopsis). The prime focus will be on the ability of mites to manipulate the natural resistances of their host plant. By using techniques such as molecular cloning, protein affinity assays and (transient) ectopic expression in combination with herbivore bioassays we aim to pinpoint the mechanisms, and the variation therein, by which spider mites suppress plant defenses. Finally we want to deliver proof of principle that such knowledge can be used to improve crop resistance. The position will be based in the Molecular & Chemical Ecology lab of Assoc. Prof. M. Kant.

We are looking for a talented young scientist with a MSc degree in Biology or Life Sciences and with evident affinity for research on plants and their interactions with their biotic environment, especially with herbivores. The ideal candidate has experience with (plant) molecular biology, especially working with DNA, RNA and proteins, but also has a strong interest in higher order interactions and is familiar with the basic principles in ecology and evolution. The candidate is also expected to have good writing skills, to feel confident about statistics and to have some experience with bioinformatics (especially related to working with DNA). The candidate must have an interest to work both independently and in teams and be highly motivated to pursue a scientific career.

The project and the appointment start in May 2018 or earlier if possible. The full-time appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive assessment of the candidate) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). A training and guidance plan will be drafted that includes attendance of courses, (international) meetings and contribution to teaching. The full-time gross monthly salary will range from €2,222 in the first year to €2,840 in the final year, according to the salary scale for PhD candidates. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. The annual salary will be increased by 8 % holiday allowance and 8,3 % end-of-year bonus.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

http://www.uva.nl/en/home

Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics is one of the eight research institutes of the Faculty of Science of the UvA. IBED covers a wide range of subjects, in both fundamental and applied research. Our scientific studies aim at a better understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems at all relevant levels, from genes to climate change, using a truly multidisciplinary approach.

http://ibed.uva.nl/