We are looking for a PhD candidate to lead an innovative project characterizing small RNA-mediated epigenetic inheritance in plants.
In addition to genetic information hard coded in DNA sequences, parents can chemically modify their chromatin to record information acquired during their life, and then transmit this epigenetic information to their progeny. Although such epigenetic inheritance challenges textbook views of inheritance and has important implications for evolution, agriculture and human health, the mechanisms of this atypical mode of inheritance have mostly remained elusive. In plants, small RNAs direct DNA methylation of transposons and genes during embryogenesis and are ideal vectors to transmit epigenetic information from parents to their offspring. In this project, you will employ a range of cutting-edge molecular biology and genomic approaches to discover the mechanisms and functions of small RNAs that are transmitted from parents to their offspring during reproduction.
To elucidate this novel type of small RNA-based inheritance, you will employ state-of-the-art molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microscopy and computational biology approaches in Arabidopsis thaliana. Although this project will focus on understanding fundamental aspects of intergenerational small RNA inheritance, your research could also lead to the development of innovative biotechnology applications for the plant breeding industry.
Your responsibilities include:
- Planning and conducting molecular biology research in the laboratory and possibly computationally
- Crafting scientific manuscripts that will be published in internationally recognized scientific journals
- Refining your presentation skills by presenting your research at local, national and international meetings
- Developing your mentoring and teaching skills by helping teach BSc and MSc students in the laboratory and classroom
You will work here
This research will take place in Dr. Michael Nodine’s research group that is embedded in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology. Together with the Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, we comprise the Plant Developmental Biology Cluster in the Plant Sciences Group of Wageningen University & Research.
Your qualities
You have an MSc degree in biology or will possess one by the intended start date.
You also have:
- A strong interest in RNA biology, epigenetics and plant molecular biology
- Research experience in a genetic, molecular or cellular biology laboratory
- An MSc student’s level of knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, plant sciences or a related discipline
- Proficiency in English (both oral and written)
- Strong communication and team player skills.
For this position, your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.
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;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- 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 December 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 € 2.770 – per month rising to € 3.539,- 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.
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.
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 this position, please contact Dr. Michael Nodine, by email: [email protected].
For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter, by email: [email protected].
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
Please submit a motivation letter (one page max), a full CV, contact information of three referees who may be contacted for short-listed candidates and the mandatory form as mentioned below.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 30 September 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on 10 October 2024.
Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:
https://forms.office.com/e/F4yx7PmNgh
Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/t-iFDLrVjKI?si=rJkXVIeCDO8fwDOO&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wur.nl
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.