PhD position: A taste for cabbage: Unravelling the role of tarsal taste receptors in the coevolution of Pierid butterflies and their Brassicales host- Wageningen • Wageningen University & Research

Are you a highly motivated and curious PhD candidate with a strong interest in insect–plant interactions to investigate the evolution of glucosinolate detection in cabbage white butterflies (Pieris spp.)? Do you want to explore how these butterflies recognize and adapt to their host plants, and to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of evolutionary biology and sensory ecology?  Then we have at Wageningen University & Research an exciting opportunity for you.

In this PhD project, you would unravel the function of butterfly taste receptor neurons by determining to which plant compounds they respond and what role they play during the coevolution of butterflies and their host plants, using a novel molecular approach. Insects and plants are intertwined in an intimate coevolutionary arms race in which plants produce toxic defence compounds and insect herbivores in turn evolved specific detoxification mechanisms. In parallel to these feeding adaptations, insects also evolved specific detection mechanisms for those plants to which they have become adapted, to select suitable plants for feeding or for laying their eggs.

We will use the model system of the cabbage white butterflies, Pieris spp.. These insects lay their eggs almost exclusively on plants containing glucosinolates, toxic compounds to which these insects have specifically adapted. We will create mutant butterflies lacking the most relevant candidate receptor genes using Crispr/Cas9, to unravel the role of different receptors and taste neurons during host-plant recognition. Through these comparisons we will not only gain information about the compounds these receptors detect, but also on their ecological and evolutionary relevance. In addition, we will express the candidate receptor genes in a cell-based assay to test their responses in vitro. Combined, these results will provide a unique insight into the sensory mechanisms underlying the coevolution of insect and plants, which is a major driving factor of biodiversity and has shaped many of today’s terrestrial (agro-) ecosystems.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to fundamental research in the context of insect-plant coevolution. You will be embedded in a diverse group of international scientists and collaborate with colleagues from both in- and outside Wageningen University & Research.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the Laboratory of Entomology Lab of Entomology - WUR, which is led by Prof. Bregje Wertheim (Bregje Wertheim - Wageningen University & Research). You will be co-supervised by Dr. Alexander Haverkamp (Alexander Haverkamp - Wageningen University & Research). In addition, you will also be embedded in the PE&RC graduate school (Home | PE&RC), which will allow you to follow a wide variety of training courses and provide support during your academic journey.

For this project we are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled PhD candidate with a strong interest in the coevolution of insects and plants, who is happy to work at the intersection of sensory physiology, molecular biology and chemical ecology.

You also possess:

• A creative and proactive team player that would like to work in a multidisciplinary environment
• A successfully completed MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences or related field
• A background in plant-insect interactions, and affinity for working with butterflies and caterpillars.
• Experience with molecular techniques is recommended
• Knowledge of electrophysiology and analytic chemistry is an advantage
• Excellent communication skills in English and experience with scientific writing

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.

For more information about the position, please contact Alexander Haverkamp via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van "t Land, 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 Monday, 3rd of November.  The first interviews are scheduled for the 10th of November 2025.

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.

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.