"Postdoc in Plant Molecular Biology: The Role of PAR in Dandelion Apomixis"

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled plant molecular biologist to join the Biosystematics Group at Wageningen University & Research. In the project ‘Apomixis unravelled: the induction of parthenogenesis in dandelion and beyond’, we will build on an earlier study that identified the PAR gene as a major regulator of parthenogenesis in dandelion. We aim to elucidate how PAR can perform such an important function in the initiation of embryogenesis.

The Team: In this collaborative project, you as Postdoc will work together with a PhD candidate and a part-time technician to address different aspects of the research question.

Tasks and Responsibilities: Design and perform research to investigate how PAR regulates gene expression in the pollen/egg cell/zygote using genetic and epigenetic approaches. Apply advanced molecular biology techniques, including ChIP-seq with limited sample amounts. Analyze and interpret experimental data to link PAR activity with gene regulation. Collaborate with the PhD candidate and technician to integrate results across project components. Contribute expertise in molecular biology and mentor junior team members when needed. Utilize tissue culture transformation skills (preferred).

The project aims to advance the insight into the initiation of embryogenesis and to contribute to the implementation of apomixis in different crop species. You will work in the chair group Biosystematics, which focuses on evolution and biodiversity. The group addresses fundamental questions about biodiversity and its origins and applies this knowledge to improve crops and ecosystems. The parthenogenesis project is embedded in Marian Bemer’s group, which focuses on unravelling and comparing transcription factor networks in different species.

Requirements: You have a PhD degree in a relevant field, preferably in Plant Molecular Biology and are experienced with advanced molecular techniques for target gene analysis and chromatin profiling. You are also a curious person, always eager to learn more about plant development. Additionally, you are a social person, who likes to assist colleagues and undergraduate students with their work. Job profile: You are an experienced molecular biologist. You are skilled in the analysis of high-throughput transcriptomic and genomic data. You are enthusiastic to work on biological questions related to plant development and (a)sexual reproduction. You are willing to supervise undergraduate students. You have good oral and written communication skills and are fluent in English. You contribute to an open and inclusive atmosphere.

Conditions of employment: Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include: Sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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 December bonus of 8.3%; excellent pension scheme. In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary between €3,546 and €5,538 for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). Initially, we offer you a one-year contract, which will then be extended to a 32-month contract if there is mutual enthusiasm.