PhD Candidate Plant-pathogenic Fungus Interaction

Are you an early-career researcher with a passion for molecular plant or microbial science? Would you like to take on a highly relevant project in the field of plant-pathogen interactions? Then we have an exciting offer for you.

Join us!
One of the most challenging problems for lettuce cultivation in the Netherlands and worldwide is lettuce wilt disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum (Fo). In this new project we collaborate with the University of Utrecht and several companies to elucidate the molecular basis of pathogenicity of the causal agent, Fo f.sp. lactucae, to find new leads to control this disease. The genomes of a large panel of isolates of different races will be sequenced and compared to identify candidate effector genes and to gain insight in the processes underlying the emergence of new races. The identified effector candidates will be functionally analysed. In Amsterdam, we are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate who will perform laboratory and greenhouse experiments to elucidate the function of individual effector genes in virulence of the pathogen and immunity of lettuce.

The project will be carried out in the Molecular Plant Pathology group, part of the Green Life Sciences cluster at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences. We are an international team using molecular biology, genetics, microbiology and biochemistry to study plant-fungus, plant-bacteria and plant-virus interactions. We collaborate with companies to help improve disease resistance in various crops. We build our success on a collaborative and social work environment, in which we share both progress and challenges.

What are you going to do?
You will be responsible for planning, carrying out and analysing experiments performed in the lab, greenhouse and growth chambers. These experiments include making mutants of Fusarium oxysporum, pathogenicity assays, fluorescence microscopy and plant (root) transformation. Besides conducting research and reporting your results in various gatherings, you will teach and guide BSc and MSc students.

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• perform your experiments in a systematic and well controlled manner and keep accurate records by properly documenting and organizing your work;
• be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks;
• discuss your work with group members and during consortium meetings to incorporate feedback and give input to others;
• report your results to the project consortium;
• present your work at (inter)national scientific meetings and take a leading role in writing and publishing manuscripts;
• participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training program and the training program of the Experimental School of Plant Sciences;
• assist in teaching activities, supervising Bachelor and Master theses, and tutoring students.

Your profile

• have a master’s degree in molecular biology, microbiology, or experimental plant science by the start of your appointment;
• are passionate about science and have a particular interest in plant-microbe interactions;
• enjoy conducting experimental work (in the lab and greenhouse), as well as data analysis;
• contribute your own ideas to the project and have a collaborative mindset;
• communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.

Our offer
You will receive a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months that will be extended after satisfactory evaluation for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. The project aims to result in a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. You will also gain experience in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Your salary will range between €2,901 in the first year to €3,707 gross per month in the last year of employment, based on a fulltime employment (38 hours per week). This sum does not include the 8% holiday pay and the 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and empowering environment at Science Park, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime employment);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with finding housing (studio or small apartment) when you are moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Take a look here.

About us
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 15 June 2025. The first round of interviews will be held in the second half of June 2025. Only complete applications received within the response period will be considered.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines).

If you have any questions or require additional information, please get in touch:

• Prof. Martijn Rep
• Email: m.rep@uva.nl