PhD position: A genome-wide, multi-level approach to identify the key factors driving plant regeneration Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Dive into the fascinating world of plant reproduction with a PhD position focused on somatic embryogenesis. You will explore genetic variations in Arabidopsis thaliana, employing advanced techniques like GWAS mapping, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Join a dynamic team at the forefront of plant regeneration research, where you'll also gain teaching experience. Enjoy benefits like partially paid parental leave, flexible work hours, and access to sports facilities, all on a vibrant international campus. Take the next step and explore why this role is a great fit for you.

Your job

Are you interested in understanding how plant cells reproduce asexually? We have a PhD position on the topic of somatic embryogenesis. Will you join us?

What are you going to do?
You will dissect the genetic variation that underlies a type of clonal plant regeneration called somatic embryogenesis. You will characterize a large population of Arabidopsis thaliana (arabidopsis) ecotypes for their ability to undergo somatic embryogenesis, and then use genome-wide association (GWAS) mapping, transcriptomics and proteomics to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are significantly associated with the somatic embryogenesis. These approaches will allow us to identify a set of candidate genes that regulate somatic embryogenesis who’s function will be further confirmed by functional analyses.

Your research involves:

• Using different types of microscopy to describe the development progression of somatic embryogenesis in different ecotypes;
• Mapping QTL, eQTL (RNA-seq) and pQTL (mass-spectrometry) to identify loci that control somatic embryo induction and development.
• Using molecular-genetic and genome editing techniques to overexpress and knock-out candidate somatic embryogenesis activator and repressor genes.

You will also be expected to assist in teaching BSc and MSc lab courses for a total of 10 weeks over the course of the PhD period.

Your team
You will join the Plant Regeneration Group that is part of the Laboratory for Biochemistry, Wageningen University. Our group of PhD candidates and post-docs investigates the molecular-genetic pathways that drive plant regeneration through embryogenesis, including in planta systems (maternal haploid induction, egg cell parthenogenesis) and in vitro systems (somatic embryogenesis, microspore embryogenesis). We have a strong interest in transcriptional regulation of these developmental processes.

You will work here
The Plant Regeneration group is part of the Laboratory of Biochemistry. Cellular biochemistry is the central theme in our laboratory in which we combine molecular genetics, proteomics, bioinformatics and spectroscopy approaches. We apply this integrated approach to elucidate the function of key proteins in a variety of biological processes. The research in Biochemistry is organised into seven research themes: Redox Cell Surface Signaling, Protein Structure and Function, Plant Development, Biomolecular Imaging, Plant Regeneration, Protein Folding and Stability, and Green Mechanobiology.
Your qualities

You have an strong interest in plant development, enjoy using bioinformatics tools, and have a great attention for detail. You enjoy working in a multicultural, diverse and inclusive environment.

You also have:

• An M. Sc. degree in plant biology.
• Internship experience in the field of plant molecular biology or genetics.
• An educational background in cell biology, molecular-genetics, or genetics.
• Interest in bioinformatics / analysis of large datasets.

In our international working environment, there is an increasing amount of communication in English. Language level C1 is required for this position.
We offer you

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 year-end 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 € 3059,- per month rising to € 3881,-  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.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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.
Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Kim Boutilier, email: via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until October 19, 2025. The first interviews are scheduled as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

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.

We are

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

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