The research group Plant Physiology of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), the largest institute of the Faculty of Science, investigates the molecular and physiological basis of plant signaling cascades in response to biotic stress . In this context we are seeking a PhD candidate for a project funded by TKI-U (Topsector Tuinbouw en Uitgangsmaterialen) and Rijk Zwaan to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of glandular trichomes and the regulation of volatile terpene production.

Glandular trichomes are multicellular structures, originating from epidermal cells that produce various food-, medicine- and agriculture-relevant chemicals. The glandular trichomes of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are capable of making a diverse array of (specialized) metabolites. The type VI glandular trichomes of cultivated tomato make, amongst other metabolites, a bouquet of volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes, which are involved in the direct or indirect defense against herbivores. The biosynthesis of some of these terpenes is, upon herbivory, induced by the hormone jasmonic acid. How multicellular glandular trichomes develop is unknown and the regulation of volatile terpene biosynthesis remains enigmatic. We have identified a transcription factor from tomato that is, remarkably, not only involved in the initiation and development of type VI glandular trichomes but also in the regulation of volatile terpene biosynthesis.

You will be involved in elucidating the function of this tomato transcription factor further and to use the set of tools that we have developed to identify other molecular players of the network involved in regulating the development of type VI glandular trichomes and the biosynthesis of volatile terpenes. You will use transcriptome analyses, protein affinity assays, plant transformation, confocal microscopy and GC-MS analyses to identify and functionally analyse genes of interest. You will also test whether this knowledge can be used to improve resistance against herbivores. The position will be based in the lab of Robert Schuurink at the University of Amsterdam (UvA).

You should have an MSc in plant molecular biology and preferentially have experience in working with DNA, RNA, proteins and plant transformation. Affinity with specialized metabolites is appreciated but not essential. You should have excellent communication skills and be keen to work in collaboration with the breeding industry. You must be capable to work both independently and in a team and be highly motivated to pursue a scientific career.

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of 4 years (initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it can be extended to a total duration of 4 years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan, including attendance of courses and (international) meetings. You are also expected to assist in teaching of undergraduate students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,266 in the first year to €2,897 in the last year. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. 

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

Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS)  is the largest institute of the Faculty of Science. Our approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centred on several themes including Cell & Sytems Biology, Neurosciences, and Green Life Sciences. Within the theme Green Life Sciences five research groups have dedicated their research to plants: Plant Physiology, Molecular Plant Pathology, Developmental Genetics, Plant Cell Biology and Plant Hormone Biology.

http://sils.uva.nl/