PhD Position - Mechanistic Understanding of Plant Immune Signalling during Xanthomonas Infections

PhD Position - Mechanistic Understanding of Plant Immune Signalling during Xanthomonas Infections

Working at the UvA

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • 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.

 

Working at the UvA

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • 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.

 

All about this vacancy

Your profile

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.

 

Our offer

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.

 

About us

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

All about this vacancy

Your profile

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.

 

Our offer

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.

 

About us

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees, SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavor, food & agricultural, and high-tech industries, and revolves around 4 main themes, Cell & Systems biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Your place at the UvA

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 23 November 2025. 

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • the names and email addresses of two references (will be contacted later during the interview process).

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.

(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. We accept applications until and including 23 November 2025. 

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your CV should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • the names and email addresses of two references (will be contacted later during the interview process).

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.

(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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