Are you passionate about cytoplasmic genetics in plants? Excited to uncover the mechanisms underlying the maternal inheritance of plastids and mitochondria? If so, we invite you to join our newly established Cytoplasmic Genetics Group at Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

We are currently seeking two PhD students who are enthusiastic about contributing to the ERC-funded research: “Control of Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plants.”

Our research
Plastids and mitochondria are two key organelles responsible for energy conversion and metabolism in plants. To perform these tasks, plastids and mitochondria possess their own genetic material (known as cytoplasmic genomes), which encodes proteins necessary for essential cellular processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Since the de novo biogenesis of plastids and mitochondria is not possible, these organelles must be inherited from one generation to the next. Therefore, the proper inheritance of these organelles, along with their cytoplasmic genomes, is crucial for the survival of the plant lineage. Interestingly, the inheritance patterns of cytoplasmic genomes differ significantly from nuclear DNA. Unlike the nuclear genome, which is inherited from both parents, plastid and mitochondrial genomes are passed down exclusively from the mother. This unique phenomenon of maternal inheritance has been known for decades, yet the underlying mechanisms and genes that regulate this process remain largely unknown.

Our research focuses on uncovering the mechanisms of cytoplasmic inheritance in plants. By utilizing genetics, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy, we aim to address the following questions surrounding plastid and mitochondrial inheritance:

• What are the mechanisms driving maternal inheritance?
• How do environmental factors affect inheritance patterns?
• Do plastids and mitochondria function as an asexual genetic system?

A comprehensive understanding of this subject will allow us to manipulate and control the inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes. This achievement will ultimately offer significant potential for agricultural and breeding applications. For more information about the research, please visit our homepage and read the related publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-022-01323-7

Your Tasks
In this call, we are looking for two PhD candidates for the projects derived from the ERC-funded research “Control of Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plants”.

For PhD Project 1, you will

• Develop the first experimental platform to identify and characterise both genetic and environmental factors that regulate plastid inheritance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

For PhD project 2, you will

• Investigate the mechanisms and cellular processes that regulate plastid and mitochondrial inheritance in Nicotiana tabacum.

For both PhD positions, you will also

• Acquire expertise in research techniques related to genetics, physiology, molecular biology, and microscopy.
• Contribute to the teaching of Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
• Attend workshops and conferences to present your findings and further your development as a well-rounded scientist.

• You hold an MSc degree in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• You have experience in (plant) molecular biology approaches.
• Experience with Arabidopsis thaliana and/or Nicotiana tabacum, including skills in crossing and tissue culture, is advantageous.
• Experience with confocal microscopy is a plus.
• You are creative and equipped with problem-solving skills.
• You are an enthusiastic team player with strong communication skills and proficiency in English. (For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Under certain conditions, you may be required to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here).

Our Group
You will join the newly established Cytoplasmic Genetics Group, part of the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at WUR. As one of the founding members of this new group, you will collaborate closely with another PhD student, a postdoctoral researcher, and group leader Dr. Kin Pan Chung over the coming years.
Additionally, the Plant Science Group at WUR provides an open, diverse, and inspiring environment for multidisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics, offering extensive opportunities for training and collaborations.

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 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 € 2.872 - per month rising to € 3.670,- 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 19th 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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Kin Pan Chung via this email: kinpan.chung@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact psg.vacaturemeldingen@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. Please upload your latest CV and a motivation letter via the online portal.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 18th November 2024. We hope to schedule the first interview round on the 28th November 2024 (Format: online). If necessary, a second interview round will be conducted (Time and format: to be determined).

The intended starting date of the position is 1st January 2025, or the earliest possible for candidates with visa application issues.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.