This project aims to identify immune elicitors (also known as MAMPs or DAMPs) as ligands of PRRs activating plant immunity during Xcc infection in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. You will screen for immune-eliciting molecules/proteins using plant immune assays and identify the elicitor by mass spectrometry. The receptor-ligand interaction will be further characterized by applying protein biochemistry methods. In addition, you will study plant resistance in different tissues by employing bioluminescent Xcc reporter strains that allow us to non-invasively track bacterial spread inside leaves. Lastly, you will investigate the relevance of the identified immune signalling pathway against pathogenic and commensal bacteria.

The overarching goal of this research is to deepen our understanding of the molecular interactions between vascular Xanthomonas and host plants. The findings of this project may ultimately support the development of Xanthomonas-resistant cabbage varieties through informed breeding strategies.

This project will be carried out in the Molecular Plant Pathology group, part of the Green Life Sciences theme at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences. Research in our group aims at advancing fundamental knowledge of the interactions between plants and their pathogens, using state-of-the-art methods in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology. In addition, we seek opportunities to translate fundamental insights of plant-pathogen interactions into solutions to enhance disease resistance in crops. This project is funded by an ERC Starting grant of the European Commission under the Horizon Europe program.
You will:

• complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
  perform your experiments in a systematic and controlled manner and keep records by properly documenting and organizing your work;
• be an active member of the research group, give feedback to others and take responsibility for shared tasks;
• discuss your work with group members and during company update meetings to incorporate feedback;
• take a leading role in writing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• participate in the PhD training programme of the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch Experimental School of Plant Sciences (EPS); assist in teaching and supervising Bachelor and Master internships

You will get the opportunity to:

• present your results at (inter)national scientific conferences;
• expand you academic, professional, and personal skills;
• contribute to science communication and outreach activities;
• thrive in a team that values impactful research and mutual support;
• combine the advantages that a collaborative project offers, such as access to state-of-the art research facilities at UvA and collaboration partners.

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in molecular plant pathology. You enjoy performing experimental lab work (e.g. molecular biology, plant transformations, disease assays), as well as genome data analysis using bioinformatic tools. You have a creative mind and look forward to learning and applying your skills and knowhow. Finally, you are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an international team of plant scientists.
Your experience and profile
You have/are

• an MSc degree in molecular biology/biochemistry/plant biology;
• demonstrated hands-on experience with some of the following techniques and skills: protein biochemistry, liquid chromatography, cloning, plant growth and infections, plant immune assays;
• fluent in English, both written and spoken.

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is February 1st 2026. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €3.059 in the first year to €3.881 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate applicable The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable. 
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Amsterdam Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.