In the framework of an NWO-TTW granted project, research will be carried out to characterize FRUITFULL (FUL) genes in different species. FUL genes play important roles in fruit development, flowering time regulation and plant architecture, and are as such very interesting targets for crop improvement. In this project, we will analyse genome sequence information from a large number of (crop) species to identify conserved and diverged sequence motifs in FUL-like genes, with a focus on motifs in the regulatory region, which determine gene activity. Different techniques will then be used to link these motifs to tissue-specific activity of FUL genes, taking advantage of the four sub-functionalized tomato FUL-like genes. The importance of the regulatory motifs will be investigated using CRISPR-based gene editing technologies. To gain more insights into the molecular networks involving the FUL genes, we will use and develop methods for identification of upstream transcription factors that bind to the identified motifs. Together with breeding companies, we will use the acquired data to improve crop species, focusing on tomato and sugar beet.

An enthusiastic and highly motivated PhD student with an MSc degree in Plant Molecular Biology and affinity for plant development and evolution. The candidate should have an interest in developing and implementing new technologies and also possesses bioinformatics skills.
The candidate should be fluent in written and spoken English, enjoy working in a dynamic group and be able to communicate with both academic and industrial partners.

This position requires an excellent English language proficiency (a mininum of CEFR C1 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.

We offer a full-time position (38 hours), initially for one year after which a go/no go decision will be taken on an extension for an additional three years. Gross salary per month € 2325 in the first year rising to € 2972,- per month in the fourth year for a fulltime appointment. The candidate will be based at the chair group Molecular Biology of Wageningen University and part of the graduate school EPS.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.
We offer a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 6,000 employees, and 12,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.

Equal opportunities employer
We are an employer that offers equal opportunities. We are happy to receive applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, gender, functional impairment, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive working environment makes us a more relevant, competitive and resilient organization. Click here for more information about working at WUR with a functional impairment.

We are the research group, 'Plant Developmental Systems', which is part of the bussiness unit Bioscience of Wageningen Plant Research and part of the chair group Molecular Biology of Wageningen University. The focus of the group is on the molecular regulation of developmental processes, such as flowering, floral organ and fruit development, plant architecture, and embryogenesis with a major emphasis on the role of transcription factors in these processes. The group carries out fundamental research that has a potential impact on societal challenges and knowledge implementation in economically important crops. A multidisciplinary approach is followed, including molecular and cell biology, plant physiology, bioinformatics and various high-throughput 'omics' technologies. The team consist of a very social and highly motivated group of staff researchers, technicians, and (international) PhD students/post-docs.