The Department of Microbial Ecology offers a
Unwiring beneficial functions and regulatory networks in the plant endosphere
Plant roots are colonized by billions of microorganisms that affect plant growth and tolerance to (a)biotic stresses. Recently we discovered that plants infected by fungal pathogens actively recruit microbes inside their root tissue, the endosphere, for protection. Here we will investigate how plants under siege communicate with their microbiome and characterize the protective endophytic microbes, their genes and metabolites. The obtained fundamental knowledge will provide a strong basis for developing innovative strategies that integrate microbiomes in plant breeding and sustainable crop protection. The overall aim of the PhD project is to characterize the endophytic bacteria and protective functions that are activated by plants under attack by a fungal pathogen.
The PhD position will be hosted at the Department of Microbial Ecology of the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and will work closely together with the Molecular Biotechnology group at the Institute of Biology, Leiden University. We offer the research environment of a dynamic group with a strong international profile; state-of-the-art laboratory and greenhouse infrastructure; close national and international collaboration with other PhD students and researchers; and the possibility to further develop your scientific education with courses, training and conferences. The position is full-time (38 hours/week), initially for 1 year, after which a go/no-go decision will be taken on extension with another three years. The gross salary in the first year is € 2.325,00 per month rising to € 2.972,00 in the fourth year for a full-time appointment.
September 2020
Prof. Jos M. Raaijmakers (NIOO-KNAW); Dr. Victor Carrion (Leiden University)
NIOO-KNAW wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. Please send your application, in English, including complete curriculum vitae and names and contact details of three professional referees to vacature@nioo.knaw.nl, and mention “ENWGroot-PhD-ME-20-005” in the subject header.
Monday 15 June 2020. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.
General information about the ENW Groot program can be found at: https://nioo.knaw.nl/en/news/how-plants-call-backup-help-them-stay-healthy.
Specific information about the PhD position can be obtained from Prof. Jos M. Raaijmakers; j.raaijmakers@nioo.knaw.nl; +31 317-473497.