"PhD position: A genome-wide, multi-level approach to identify the key factors driving plant regeneration"

Are you interested in understanding how plant cells reproduce asexually? We have a PhD position on the topic of somatic embryogenesis. Will you join us?

What are you going to do? You will dissect the genetic variation that underlies a type of clonal plant regeneration called somatic embryogenesis. You will characterize a large population of Arabidopsis thaliana (arabidopsis) ecotypes for their ability to undergo somatic embryogenesis, and then use genome-wide association (GWAS) mapping, transcriptomics and proteomics to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are significantly associated with the somatic embryogenesis. These approaches will allow us to identify a set of candidate genes that regulate somatic embryogenesis whose function will be further confirmed by functional analyses.

Your research involves:

• Using different types of microscopy to describe the development progression of somatic embryogenesis in different ecotypes;
• Mapping QTL, eQTL (RNA-seq) and pQTL (mass-spectrometry) to identify loci that control somatic embryo induction and development.
• Using molecular-genetic and genome editing techniques to overexpress and knock-out candidate somatic embryogenesis activator and repressor genes.

You will also be expected to assist in teaching BSc and MSc lab courses for a total of 10 weeks over the course of the PhD period.

Your team: You will join the Plant Regeneration Group that is part of the Laboratory for Biochemistry, Wageningen University. Our group of PhD candidates and post-docs investigates the molecular-genetic pathways that drive plant regeneration through embryogenesis, including in planta systems (maternal haploid induction, egg cell parthenogenesis) and in vitro systems (somatic embryogenesis, microspore embryogenesis). We have a strong interest in transcriptional regulation of these developmental processes.

You will work here: The Plant Regeneration group is part of the Laboratory of Biochemistry. Cellular biochemistry is the central theme in our laboratory in which we combine molecular genetics, proteomics, bioinformatics and spectroscopy approaches. We apply this integrated approach to elucidate the function of key proteins in a variety of biological processes. The research in Biochemistry is organised into seven research themes: Redox Cell Surface Signaling, Protein Structure and Function, Plant Development, Biomolecular Imaging, Plant Regeneration, Protein Folding and Stability, and Green Mechanobiology.

Requirements: You have a strong interest in plant development, enjoy using bioinformatics tools, and have a great attention for detail. You enjoy working in a multicultural, diverse and inclusive environment. You also have: An M. Sc. degree in plant biology. Internship experience in the field of plant molecular biology or genetics. An educational background in cell biology, molecular-genetics, or genetics. Interest in bioinformatics / analysis of large datasets. In our international working environment, there is an increasing amount of communication in English. Language level C1 is required for this position.

Conditions of employment: Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: Partially paid parental leave; working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance; there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee; a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team. The gross salary for the first year is €3059 per month rising to €3881 in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.