PhD candidate to work on a fundamental project to study the impact of intercellular communication on plant cell identity formation
Do you find processes at the subcellular scale intriguing? Do you want to find out how they contribute to important plant developmental decisions? Are you pursuing a PhD studentship where you become part of a collaborative academic environment? Then you might be the candidate we are looking for!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidate to work on a fundamental project to study the impact of intercellular communication on plant cell identity formation. You will work with advanced microscopy and transcriptomic methods to uncover the cellular mechanisms behind this.
Virtually all plant tissues grow and develop by means of a select population of stem cells that recurrently undergo division. These stem cell properties are controlled by a host of signals from surrounding tissues. In this project we want to find out the signals and their targets that travel via the unique, direct communication system available to plant cells: the plasmodesmata. These small channels allow the passage of various signalling molecules in a controlled and dynamic manner. Owing to a simple lay-out of its tissues, this project will primarily use the moss Physcomitrium patens as a model system.
The project will take place in the laboratory of Cell Biology as part of a larger Plant Developmental Biology research cluster. You will be part of a team working on plant intercellular communication led by Dr. Jeroen de Keijzer.
We ask
- A successfully completed MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, Molecular Biology, (Plant) Biotechnology, Life Sciences or equivalent study.
- You have a very good level of oral and written English (a minimum of CEFR C1 level). You are required to show us a certification of English skills. For more information about the required level please take a look at: https://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/PhD-Programme/English-language-requirements.htm;
- You meet all the entry requirements of the WUR PhD programme.
- You have hands-on experience in cell biology and microscopy techniques. Experience in plant tissue culture is a plus.
- You have a proven affinity with molecular biology.
- Have practical experience in, or willingness to learn ~omics data analysis.
- Work efficiently and accurately and are highly motivated to do fundamental research.
- Are willing to contribute to teaching and mentoring of MSc and BSc students that work with you on the project.
- Have strong communication skills.
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- 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;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- 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 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 € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- 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.
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
More information
Do you want more information?
For more information about this function, please contact Dr. Jeroen de Keijzer, project lead by e-mail; jeroen.dekeijzer@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.
General information about the laboratory of Cell Biology can be found on wur.nl.
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 24 April 2021.
We hope to schedule the first job interviews from 16 May onwards.
In this first round please only send your resume and motivation letter. Any other documents will not be taken into consideration at this stage.
We are
Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.
With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named the best university of the Netherlands by students for the 17th time in a row.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!