The Faculty of Science and Institute of Biology is looking for a
PhD candidate, Endophyte metabolites produced in time and space in planta
Project description
We are seeking to appoint two PhD candidates for four years, which will consist of 1 year with 3 years extension. The PhD positions will be positioned within the frame of a collaborative project on the understanding of the life of endophytic bacteria inside plants, named “Unwiring beneficial functions and regulatory networks in the plant endosphere”. In Leiden, we seek to unravel the chemistry and physiology of plant-endophyte interactions. Please see this webpage for the other PhD position, Structural basis of endophyte interactions with their plant host.
Key responsibilities
In this project, we will focus on how endophytic bacteria deliver host protection, and will uncover the responses of the bacterial community to plant-derived signals, such as when plants are stressed by pathogenic microorganisms. One area of focus is the Actinobacteria, which are prolific producers of bioactive molecules. We will obtain a detailed picture of where endophytes localize inside plants, depending on the growth conditions, and also identify the bioactive molecules they produce, in time and space. To do so, we will use advanced imaging techniques to identify and localize the microbes, and will apply advanced metabolomics and imaging mass spectrometry to identify the molecules they produce. We will also uncover the regulatory networks that control the biosynthesis of bioactive compounds in the producing microorganisms.
Selection criteria
- A strong interest in the role of microbial communities in host protection and global regulatory networks;
- Candidates with expertise in metabolomics, imaging and/or transcriptomics are highly encouraged to apply.
Our organisation
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2.200 staff and almost 4,200 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
Terms and conditions
Initially we offer a full-time position for one year.. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary starts from € 2.325,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Information
If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Mariana Avalos Garcia by email m.avalos.garcia@biology.leidenuniv.nl.
Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send an email to sylvius@biology.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- Motivation letter;
- CV;
- Transcripts of your BSc/MSc studies;
- E-mail address of 2 references.
Only applications received no later than 26 May 2020 can be considered.