We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate for the research project 'The control of beet yellowing viruses through mature plant resistance' funded by a consortium with the PPS Topsectoren.
The project focuses on the phenomenon of mature plant resistance (MPR) to control the spread and impact of yellowing viruses of sugar beet. MPR is a general defence mechanism whereby plants develop increasing resistance towards pests and pathogens over the course of a growing season. Although MPR has been known for a long time its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Yellowing viruses of sugar beet form a diverse group, but they are all transmitted by various species of aphids. With growing age sugar beet plants produce a substance, which is apparently toxic to the aphids thus limiting aphid colony growth and subsequent virus transmission. Interestingly, yellowing viruses are reported to interfere with the production of this substance and thus promote their own transmission. Your project aims to identify both the nature of the aphid toxicity factor as well as the pathway through which this factor is being produced. In addition, we aim to unravel how the viruses are able to interfere with the production of this factor.

As a PhD candidate, you will combine field- and greenhouse-based experiments with proteomic and genomics studies on plant metabolic pathways and viral gene expression. Once identified, compounds, pathways and genes will be further studied for their role in aphid lethality and you will analyse through which mechanisms viruses are able to interfere with these processes. The proposed research will contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of mature plant resistance and increase its applicability in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, as well as to a better fundamental knowledge on how viruses are able to manipulate plants and their insect vectors.

We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree with a specialisation in a relevant field (e.g. Plant Physiology, Virology, Entomology, Molecular Life Sciences), who feels challenged by the aims of this project and has a strong drive for experimental research in the lab, greenhouse and field. The candidate should have experience in molecular biological research, a proven ability to organize laboratory experiments and an affinity to work with aphids and plants. Experience with bioinformatics and/or virology is advantageous. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team in a collaborative spirit. The candidate should be proficient in the English language (both oral and written). This position requires an excellent English language proficiency (a mininum of CEFR C1 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page. The candidate is expected to assist in the education of BSc and MSc students.

We offer a full-time position (38 hours) for four years, with a go-no-go decision for continuation after one year. Gross salary per month is € 2.325,- in the first year, building op to €2.972,- in the 4th year, for a fulltime appointment. The PhD candidate will be based at the Laboratory of Virology in Wageningen. The project will be performed in close collaboration with the Institute of Sugar Beet Research (IRS) at Dinteloord, The Britisch Beet Research Organisation (BBRO) and SESvanderHave. The PhD candidate will be offered a training course program via the graduate school Production Ecology and Resource Conservation (PE&RC), which can be tailored to the desires of the candidate and the supervising team.

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 Wageningen Campus. Currently, about 25 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 is focusses on various animal-, insect- and plant viruses with specific emphasis on how these viruses are transmitted and how they interact with their hosts. Plant viruses form a major threat for crops and ornamentals and are often transmitted by insects like aphids and whiteflies. Therefore, virus control often depends on successful control of their insect vectors. However, intensifying restrictions on the use of chemicals aimed to kill these insects call for alternative approaches to control the viruses they transmit. Our research concentrates on virus-host and virus-vector interactions, with special attention on the development of host defence mechanisms, viral evasion strategies and viral host and virus-vector manipulation mechanisms.