With the pressing need to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, this PhD project explores the microbial interplay between sulfur and nitrogen metabolism in crops like soybean. By utilising advanced metagenomics, transcriptomics, and elemental analysis, the project aims to identify plant-microbe regulatory networks that enhance crop nutrition and resilience. Benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and a vibrant scientific community at Utrecht University.

Your job
As a PhD candidate, you will:

• conduct research on the interactions between plant-associated microbiomes and nutrient metabolism, focusing on sulfur and nitrogen pathways;
• design and perform experiments using molecular, biochemical, and microbiological techniques to study nutrient uptake and utilization in crops;
• analyse large dataset derived from omics technologies, including metagenomics and metabolomics, to uncover microbial contributions to plant nutrition;
• collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and engage with experts in microbiome research, plant science, and sustainable agriculture;
• publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present your work at national and international conferences;
• contribute to teaching or mentoring activities within the research group as part of your professional development.

This role offers you an exciting opportunity to develop innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture while advancing your career in plant-microbe interactions.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with:

• a Master’s degree in plant sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field;
• demonstrated research skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, or microbiology techniques;
• knowhow in data analysis and familiarity with omics tools like metagenomics or transcriptomics;
• excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal;
• ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment.

Nice-to-have qualifications:

• familiarity with machine learning or statistical tools for data modeling like predicting microbial interactions that enhance crop nutrient efficiency;
• experience with plant-microbiome research and interest in working with crops.

If you feel that this role is the perfect match, but you do not yet meet all the qualifications, we also welcome you to apply.

We offer:

• a full-time position for four years;
• a gross monthly salary ranging from €2,901 in the first year and increasing to €3,707 in the fourth year in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

Universiteit Utrecht

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

This position is part of the new research team led by Dr Arsheed Sheikh, embedded within the Plant-Microbe Interactions (PMI) chair group within the Department of Biology. It is funded by the NWO Gravitation Programme MiCRop “Harnessing the second genome of plants – Microbial imprinting for crop resilience” and the Spinoza Prize awarded to Professor Corné Pieterse.

The PMI team studies the molecular mechanisms by which plants manage interactions with other organisms, activating their immune system to defend against pathogens and pests while accommodating growth and health-promoting microbiota. Our research focusses on the dynamics and complexity of plant-beneficial root-microbiome interactions and on the gene regulatory networks that enhance plant resilience. These objectives are pursued using both model and crop plant species, employing state-of-the-art techniques in phytopathology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, genomics, microbiomics and bioinformatics. The team also maintains strong ties with the Netherlands Plant-Ecophenotyping Centre (NPEC), and we anticipate extensive use of its cutting-edge facilities within this project.

Dr Sheikh’s team specifically emphasises on investigating the mechanisms by which the microbiome influences nuclear metabolism in host plants, affecting nutrient use efficiency and plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses.

For more information, please contact Dr Arsheed H. Sheikh at a.h.sheikh@uu.nl.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.