PhD Position in Biology (Utrecht University)

Faculty: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Biology Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (18 months, extendable to 4 years) Hours per week: 36–40 Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 Position Summary Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position investigating root development and plant-microbe interactions, specifically how certain soil-borne microbes induce stress-protective suberin layers in crop roots. The project focuses on sorghum roots and will: Map spatiotemporal patterns of microbial colonization and resulting suberin changes Identify the molecular signals used by plants to recruit microbes Determine signals sent by microbes to plants Decipher how plants integrate these signals with transcriptional programs The work will involve microscopy, fluorescent imaging, transcriptomics, metabolite profiling, high-throughput phenotyping, and data analysis. The PhD candidate will also participate in teaching, mentoring BSc/MSc students, and outreach activities. Candidate Profile Essential: Master’s degree in plant biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, or related field Experience with plants and plant-microbe interactions Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Experience with data analysis using R Proficiency in English (written and spoken) Proactive and collegial working attitude Preferred: Experience with microscopy and molecular biology techniques Programming skills (e.g., R, basic Linux) Affinity with plant developmental biology or plant-microbe interactions What We Offer Engagement in a cutting-edge project on root plasticity and Suberin-Inducing Microbes Position initially for 18 months, extendable to 4 years based on performance Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (CAO NU, scale P) Benefits: 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms Opportunities for professional development, sports, cultural activities, and career growth Work in an interdisciplinary team across the Experimental & Computational Plant Development and Plant Stress Resilience groups Application Instructions Required Documents: Motivation letter explaining your interest, suitability, and motivation for joining the team Curriculum Vitae (CV) Contact details for two referees Application Submission: Submit via the Utrecht University recruitment portal (“Apply now” button). Enquiries: Dr. Dorota Kawa – d.kawa@uu.nl Application procedure: science.recruitment@uu.nl Deadline: 15 February 2026 About Utrecht University Utrecht University values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Knowledge security screening may apply to academic staff appointments. Learn more: Utrecht University Careers If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Faculty: Faculty of Science
Department: Department of Biology
Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (18 months, extendable to 4 years)
Hours per week: 36–40
Application Deadline: 15 February 2026

Position Summary

Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position investigating root development and plant-microbe interactions, specifically how certain soil-borne microbes induce stress-protective suberin layers in crop roots.

The project focuses on sorghum roots and will:

Map spatiotemporal patterns of microbial colonization and resulting suberin changes
Identify the molecular signals used by plants to recruit microbes
Determine signals sent by microbes to plants
Decipher how plants integrate these signals with transcriptional programs

The work will involve microscopy, fluorescent imaging, transcriptomics, metabolite profiling, high-throughput phenotyping, and data analysis. The PhD candidate will also participate in teaching, mentoring BSc/MSc students, and outreach activities.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

Master’s degree in plant biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, or related field
Experience with plants and plant-microbe interactions
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience with data analysis using R
Proficiency in English (written and spoken)
Proactive and collegial working attitude

Preferred:

Experience with microscopy and molecular biology techniques
Programming skills (e.g., R, basic Linux)
Affinity with plant developmental biology or plant-microbe interactions

What We Offer

Engagement in a cutting-edge project on root plasticity and Suberin-Inducing Microbes
Position initially for 18 months, extendable to 4 years based on performance
Gross monthly salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (CAO NU, scale P)
Benefits: 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, flexible employment terms
Opportunities for professional development, sports, cultural activities, and career growth
Work in an interdisciplinary team across the Experimental & Computational Plant Development and Plant Stress Resilience groups

Application Instructions

Required Documents:

Motivation letter explaining your interest, suitability, and motivation for joining the team
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Contact details for two referees

Application Submission:
Submit via the Utrecht University recruitment portal (“Apply now” button).

Enquiries:

Dr. Dorota Kawa – d.kawa@uu.nl
Application procedure: science.recruitment@uu.nl

Deadline: 15 February 2026

About Utrecht University

Utrecht University values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Knowledge security screening may apply to academic staff appointments.

Learn more: Utrecht University Careers

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

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