Are you an aspiring researcher looking for an interdisciplinary and fundamental PhD project in the field of statistics, mathematics and machine learning? Would you like to contribute to our research on developing statistical methodologies and tools to model multi-omics data, and are you interested in plant development in response to the environment? Then we are looking for you!

The plant cell is a complex system of interacting molecules. Most biological characteristics (e.g. plant development) arise from complex interactions between the cell's numerous components. Therefore, inferring networks and dynamics of genes, proteins, metabolites and other biological entities from high-throughput biological omics data is a central and challenging issue in computational and systems biology. In this project, you will develop statistical modeling tools for identifying complex high-dimensional associations. The aim is, to develop state-of-the-art methods that will enable you to reveal previously unnoticed patterns in both existing and new datasets. These methods will allow you to pinpoint novel molecular mechanisms and elite genes that influence the interaction between different omic levels during plant development, and thus a priority list of genes to be tested experimentally.

Experimentally, the project focusses on nodule initiation during the legume-rhizobium symbiosis. In this symbiosis, formation of specialized root organs (nodules) is initiated upon perception of bacterial secreted signaling molecules. These so-called Nod-factors trigger cell divisions in specific region of the root, giving rise to the nodule. During this initiation, massive changes occur in the expression level genes, proteins and metabolites. However, how these dynamics contribute to the activation of the cell cycle in specific root cells remains unknown. In part, this is due to a lack of high-resolution data, but also the absence of appropriate statistical tools to deal with complex multi-omics datasets. Tools you will co-develop during the course of this PhD research.

The project is embedded within the chairs of Applied Statistics and the Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Wageningen University and Research (WUR). You will focus on creating a new theoretical framework for modeling mechanistic relationships between, for example, transcriptomics and metabolomics from multi-omics data. The project offers rich and challenging research opportunities on the interface of statistics and molecular biology. Our ideal candidate would be someone with strong skills in statistics and an interest in experimental plant science.

In this multi-disciplinary setting, you will be supervised by Dr. Pariya Behrouzi (Applied Mathematics and Statistics) and Dr. Wouter Kohlen (Laboratory of Molecular Biology). In addition, you will be co-supervised by Prof. Fred van Eeuwijk and Prof. Ben Scheres.

The candidate is expected to:

• Hold a MSc degree in Statistics, Data Science or a related discipline;
• Have excellent English language proficiency (a minimum of CEFR C2 level. For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page);
• Work efficiently and accurately, and is highly motivated to do fundamental research;
• Have strong communication skills;
• Be a motivated team player with excellent research skills;
• Have practical experience in, or willingness to learn ~omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics) analysis in relation to plant development;
• Is willing to contribute to teaching, and mentoring of MSc and BSc students that work with you on the project;
• Affinity with plant research is a pre.

CAO WU
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• the option to accrue additional holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive salary of between €2.434,- and €3.111,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). We offer a temporary contract for 12 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the "Best University" in the Netherlands for the 16th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University and Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen's unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.

Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

The Chair group of Applied Statistics is part of Biometris. Biometris, one of the largest groups of quantitative scientists in North-Western Europe, develops statistical and mathematical methods for the quantification of biological processes and processes in our living environment. These methods are applied and validated in practice and are often available as software packages. In addition, we provide education at the undergraduate, Master, PhD, and Postdoc levels, as well as training and consultancy for industry. We cover a wide range of application areas, from gene to ecosystem and from product to production chain. Our goal is to bring quantitative methods to life!

The Laboratory of Molecular Biology at the Wageningen University is part of the newly formed cluster Plant Developmental Biology (PDB). The research of PDB focuses on plant development potentially in response to the biotic and abiotic environment. PDB brings together a group of highly motivated international scientist with a broad spectrum of expertise that study plant development at various levels ranging from molecular interactions and signalling, cellular dynamics, stem cell development till organ formation and the response of plants to their environment. PDB carries out fundamental research with potential impact on societal challenges and knowledge implementation in crops.

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.