In this interdisciplinary project, you will build upon groundbreaking discoveries in the field of "green leaf volatiles" (GLVs) – a group of compounds released by plants upon herbivory. Our team has uncovered a class of enzymes in plants and insects (called hexenal isomerases) that have significant influence on ecological dynamics by re-arranging the green leaf volatile, Z-3-hexenal, into E-2-hexenal. We have shown 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. 

Research Objectives: Together with the PhD student you will engineer non-responsive and non-producing E-2-hexenal mutant potato plants. This will allow you to explore the profound roles E-2-hexenal plays in self-recognition, interactions with herbivorous insects, and responses to pathogens. Additionally you will start a new project studying the role of GLVs in promoting plant fitness through predator attraction.

During your project, you will apply a variety of techniques, including (but not limited to) DNA cloning, creation of mutant plants using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, standard Plant Physiology measurements to phenotype mutant plants, Bioassays with several pests and pathogens, RNAseq, metabolomics including GC-MS and LC-MS analyses.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• create mutant potato plants impaired in E-2-hexenal perception or hexenal isomerase (HI) activity using CRISPR/Cas9-technologies;

• validate the effect of mutations (in HI and receptor candidates) on the physiology of plants and on their ability to interact with their environment;

• generate GLV producing Arabidopsis plants by prime editing and perform choice experiments, headspace analysis and fitness experiments;

• perform your experiments in a systematic and well controlled manner and keep accurate records by properly documenting and organizing your work;

• be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks. Discuss your work with the group members and other members of the UvA Plant Science community. Incorporate feedback and give input to others. 

• take a leading role in writing manuscripts.

Ownership and Initiative: We are particularly interested in candidates who can take ownership of their research project and demonstrate initiative in driving their work forward. As postdoc, you will have the opportunity to shape the direction of your research and contribute novel ideas to the field.

You will get the opportunity to:

• present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings;

• expand your academic, professional and personal skills; 

• get access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies for innovative research.

• contribute to science communication and outreach efforts.

• thrive in a vibrant, impactful research community.

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in plant molecular biology with a special focus on biotic interactions. You enjoy performing experimental lab work (e.g., molecular biology, analytical chemistry using GC-MS and LC-MS, plant transformation and bioassays with pests and pathogens). You have a creative mind and look forward to work at the cutting-edge of technology. Finally, you are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team of plant scientists. 

You have/are:

• a PhD degree, preferably in molecular (plant) sciences or a related area in molecular biology, plant physiology or pathology;

• demonstrated hands-on experience with at least several of the following techniques: DNA cloning, Virus-induced gene silencing and/or CRISPR/Cas in potato and Arabidopsis, chemical ecology, plant tissue culture, bioassays with herbivores such as aphids, spider mites etc.;

• fluency in English, both written and spoken.  

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours a week, preferably starting on 1 May 2025 for the duration of 12 months. After satisfactory evaluation the contract will be extended with 24 months The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. 

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be between €3.378 – €5.331 gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. 

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.