PhD Position in Root Interactions with Suberin-Inducing Microbes

Do you want to work at the intersection of root development and plant-microbe interactions and discover how microbes induce stress-protective layers in crop roots? This PhD position might be a great fit for you!

Your job
Root suberization is a promising example of a multi-stress protection trait. Suberin can protect a plant from losing water during drought, oxygen deprivation during flooding, salt uptake from saline soils and pathogens from entering roots. We recently discovered that root suberization can be induced by certain soil-borne microbes. This project aims to understand molecular mechanism underlaying plant interactions with this novel class of microbes. This knowledge will help us understand how to fine-tune suberization patterns for optimal crops stress protection.

This ambitious project bridges two fields: root development and plant-microbe interactions. You will study how recently discovered suberin-inducing microbes interact with the roots of an important crop species, sorghum. You will map spatiotemporal patterns of microbial colonization and resulting changes in suberin levels. You will identify the molecular language through which suberin-inducing microbes and plants communicate by deciphering: (1) which signalling molecules do plants use to recruit these microbes to their roots, (2) what signals do suberin-inducing microbes send to the plant and (3) how do plants integrate these signals with their transcriptional programs.

You will use a variety of techniques and tools, including microscopy and fluorescent imaging techniques, transcriptomics, metabolite profiling and high-throughput phenotyping. You will develop novel methodologies, execute experiments, analyse data, and present your project results in the form of manuscripts and oral presentations. In addition to your research activities, you will get the opportunity to develop your teaching skills, mentor BSc and MSc students and be involved in outreach activities.

We are looking for a curious, driven and creative new colleague who meets the following criteria:

• a Master’s degree in plant biology, biotechnology, molecular biology or a plant science-related field;
• experience working with plants and a solid understanding of plant-microbe interactions;
• demonstrable analytical and problem-solving skills;
• experience with data analysis using R;
• proficiency in written and spoken English;
• proactive and collegial working attitude.

We consider it a plus if you bring the following:

• experience with microscopy and molecular biology techniques;
• programming skills (e.g. good command of R, basic command of Linux);
• affinity with plant developmental biology and/or plant-microbe interactions .

• by joining our team, you will engage in an exciting project investigating novel aspects of root plasticity and the role of recently identified Suberin-Inducing Microbes;
• a position for 18 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment in the first 18 months;
• a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

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You will join the vibrant team of Dr Dorota Kawa embedded in the Experimental & Computational Plant Development group and the Plant Stress Resilience group within the Department of Biology. By being part of two groups you will get the chance to work in an interdisciplinary and dynamic team of researchers that share many common interests and approaches.

For more information, please contact Dr. Dorota Kawa at d.kawa@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.