Postdoctoral researcher Plant molecular biology
Publication date 28 February 2019
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is an institute that belongs to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Its approximately 230 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research, centred on four themes: 1) Cell & Systems Biology 2) Neurosciences 3) Microbiology and 4) Green Life Sciences The theme Green Life Sciences consists of 5 research groups: Plant Physiology, Molecular Plant Pathology, Developmental Genetics, Plant Cell Biology and Plant Hormone Biology. The research group Plant Physiology investigates the molecular and physiological basis of plant signaling cascades in response to biotic stress. In the context we are seeking for a postdoctoral researcher to study the molecular mechanism of volatile perception in plants. This project, funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), will be done in close collaboration with a technician and a PhD student in an EU-funded project.
Project description Plant leaves can emit large amounts of volatiles into the air. When attacked by insects, the composition of these blends changes markedly. It is well known that these changes affect not only the behavior of insects interacting with the plant but also the metabolism of the plant itself as well as its nearby competitors. However, how plants perceive these volatiles and generate a functional response is not known. This project is aimed at identifying volatile receptors and the downstream responses of volatile perception in plants by using transcriptomics and proteomics approaches. You will be involved in elucidating the perception mechanism of volatile compounds in plants by creating a mutant population from a specific reporter line in Arabidopsis and by developing new proteomics-based tools to identify molecular players of volatile perception. You will use transcriptome analyses, protein affinity assays, plant transformation including CRISPR/Cas9-technology, GC-MS analyses and several bioassays with plant pathogens to identify and functionally analyse genes of interest.
Requirements You should have a PhD in plant molecular biology or molecular phytopathology and preferentially have experience with performing mutagenesis screens, protein affinity assays, proteomics and plant transformation. Affinity with specialized metabolites is appreciated but not essential. You should have excellent communication skills, be willing to supervise students and be keen to work in collaboration with people inside and outside the Plant Physiology group.
Further information For further information, please contact:
Appointment The appointment will be on a temporary basis for the period of three years (initial appointment will be for a period of 12 months and after satisfactory evaluation it can be extended). The monthly gross salary will be maximal €3,637 (scale 10-7) in the first year, based on a full-time appointment and depending on work experience. We offer a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Favourable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
Job application The UvA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value a spirit of enquiry and endurance, provide the space to keep asking questions and cherish a diverse atmosphere of curiosity and creativity.
Are you interested?
Your application must include a CV (including contact details of two academic referees) and a letter of motivation. Please combine these documents in one single attachment and also mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience.
To enable us to process your application immediately, please quote vacancy number 19-127 and the position you are applying for.
The closing date is 28 March 2019. #LI-DNP
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