The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for :

2 PhD candidates in Plant Molecular Biology
Vacancy number: 22-740

Project description:

Environmental and genetic drivers of wood and lignin formation in flowering plants (WOODLIG)

Lignin is a plant biopolymer that is abundantly present in the cell walls of so-called lignified cells. Cell wall lignification occurs during cell differentiation and provides mechanical support to the plant body, facilitates long-distance water transport, or prevents water loss. Lignin molecules are most abundantly present inside wood tissue that is produced by a layer of undifferentiated cells in the plant root or stem. The life cycle of woody species is generally much longer than that of herbaceous species, with slower growth and a more extended juvenile period before flowering. Thus, wood formation is linked to other developmental features, such as flowering time, but the genetic basis for the coupling of woodiness to other developmental aspects is yet unknown. Lignin (and wood) can also be induced by stress conditions, such as drought. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying drought-induced lignification are mainly unknown.

Increased lignin deposition in plant cell walls as well as increased wood formation in stems and roots have been suggested as a key strategy for drought tolerance. Drought tolerance is currently a key trait in crop breeding, as traditionally productive agricultural areas suffer heavily from recurring and more intensive drought cycles across the globe. At the same time, as lignified wood tissue is a major constituent of agricultural residues, we should take advantage of its value in the biobased economy in terms of residue valorisation. Indeed, lignin has high potential in applications such as glues and asphalt, meaning that increased lignin content provides opportunities for replacement of fossil‐derived products by left‐over plant parts of more drought resilient crops.

In this WOODLIG project, the 2 PhD students at Leiden University will work as part of a consortium together with a technician and four other PhD students at respectively Naturalis (Leiden), Wageningen University and Groningen University. At Leiden University we aim to answer the following two key questions:

1. What are the genes and their interactions that control lignification and wood formation in stems of flowering plants, and can we disentangle the woodiness phenotype from coupled longevity phenotypes? (PhD1, Offringa lab)
2. What are the transcription factors and gene regulatory networks involved in drought-induced lignification/woodiness? (PhD2, Balazadeh lab)

Key responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct research activities (incl. establishing new molecular techniques)
• Write progress report (every six months)
• Write manuscripts for publication of significant research results
• Present research at workshops and international conferences
• Co-supervise undergraduate and graduate student projects
• Participate in undergraduate teaching

We seek candidates with the following criteria:

Both PhDs

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, or related areas
• Fluency in English (reading, writing and speaking) is required
• Good organizational skills 
• Being capable of presenting data at meetings and conferences.
• Experience in or affinity with bioinformatics and plant research

For the assessment of PhD-1 (Remko Offringa labs)

• Profound theoretical knowledge and experience in molecular biology and plant developmental genetics is preferred

For the assessment of PhD-2 (Salma Balazadeh lab)

• Profound theoretical knowledge and experience in molecular biology and plant abiotic stress biology is preferred

Terms and conditions 
We offer a  full-time position initially for one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary ranges from € 2541 to € 3247 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Through this graduate school and also through the IBL we offer several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, all plant PhD students at IBL are part of the national graduate school Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS), which offers advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge in experimental plant research.

Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.