Plant roots accommodate one of the most diverse microbial communities on earth. This plant microbiome provides several beneficial functions to its host. The aim of the research consortium Microbial Imprinting for Crop Resilience (MiCRop), funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), is to harness the genomic potential of root-associated microorganisms as a new platform for improved stress resilience of future crops and sustainable food production. The chemical interaction between the plant host and its microbiome is an important aspect of this research and is the focus of the Plant Hormone Biology group at the University of Amsterdam.
Postdoctoral Researcher Chemical Communication Between Plants and the Microbiome
- Faculty of Science
- 14031
- PhD
- €3.378 - €5.331
- 38 hours
- Closes on18-05-2025
Plant roots accommodate one of the most diverse microbial communities on earth. This plant microbiome provides several beneficial functions to its host. The aim of the research consortium Microbial Imprinting for Crop Resilience (MiCRop), funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO), is to harness the genomic potential of root-associated microorganisms as a new platform for improved stress resilience of future crops and sustainable food production. The chemical interaction between the plant host and its microbiome is an important aspect of this research and is the focus of the Plant Hormone Biology group at the University of Amsterdam.
Postdoctoral Researcher Chemical Communication Between Plants and the Microbiome
- Faculty of Science
- 14031
- PhD
- €3.378 - €5.331
- 38 hours
- Closes on18-05-2025
Working at the UvA
Join us!
Deciphering the chemical language of belowground interkingdom communication and uncovering the underlying mechanisms are major challenges in this field. In recent years, our focus has been on a class of rhizosphere signaling compounds called eclepins, detected in the root exudate of various plant species like potato, tomato, and kidney bean. Initially identified as host cues for parasitic cyst nematodes (CNs) at picomolar concentrations, eclepins were long believed to be solely plant-produced. Surprisingly, we discovered that solanoeclepin A (SolA), found in potato and tomato root exudate, originates from a plant precursor converted to SolA by microbes. Moreover, we have indications that this precursor is a signal in the recruitment of beneficial microbes, particularly under nitrogen deficiency, which strongly boosts eclepin production.
We are looking for a highly qualified and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with plant molecular and microbiological expertise to strengthen our team and study the eclepins and their biological significance in microbiome recruitment.
Working at the UvA
Join us!
Deciphering the chemical language of belowground interkingdom communication and uncovering the underlying mechanisms are major challenges in this field. In recent years, our focus has been on a class of rhizosphere signaling compounds called eclepins, detected in the root exudate of various plant species like potato, tomato, and kidney bean. Initially identified as host cues for parasitic cyst nematodes (CNs) at picomolar concentrations, eclepins were long believed to be solely plant-produced. Surprisingly, we discovered that solanoeclepin A (SolA), found in potato and tomato root exudate, originates from a plant precursor converted to SolA by microbes. Moreover, we have indications that this precursor is a signal in the recruitment of beneficial microbes, particularly under nitrogen deficiency, which strongly boosts eclepin production.
We are looking for a highly qualified and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with plant molecular and microbiological expertise to strengthen our team and study the eclepins and their biological significance in microbiome recruitment.
All about this vacancy
What are you going to do?
You will uncover the evolution of the eclepin biosynthetic pathway. Using microbiological approaches and the Microp culture collection from phase I, you will identify the microbes contributing to eclepin formation. By employing knockouts or natural mutants in eclepin biosynthesis, you will demonstrate its role for plant fitness and the modulation of microbial diversity and nematode infection. We anticipate this will further unravel the importance of a new signaling molecule, enriching our understanding of chemical diversification and its impact on the plant-microbiome interaction. The research outcomes hold potential for industry applications, enabling breeders to develop crops with improved microbial relationships and improved N use efficiency. Ultimately, this work may contribute to fertilizer reduction by harnessing beneficial microbes, thereby reducing production costs for farmers and mitigating environmental impacts.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- 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 group members and during consortium meetings. Incorporate feedback and give input to others;
- present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings;
- involve in writing project reports;
- expand you academic, professional and personal skills;
- take a leading role in writing and publishing manuscripts;
- assist in teaching and supervising Bachelor and Master thesis and tutoring students.
What do you have to offer?
You are passionate about plant metabolism and its role in plant-microbe interactions. You are skilled in biosynthesis and plant molecular biology. You feel comfortable performing data analysis but are also experimentally well-versed. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and are a team player. You have good communication skills as you will be expected to discuss your results with partners and in (inter)national meetings.
Your experience and profile:
You have/are:
- a PhD in Biology or Plant Science;
- strong background in biosynthesis and plant metabolism;
- experience with molecular biological and biochemical tools;
- experience with omics analysis (especially transcriptomics and metabolomics);
- experience with data analysis using R or related program languages;
- experience with plant-microbe interaction;
- fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of one year. Upon a good evaluation this will be extended with another 2 years. The preferred starting date is 1 July 2025. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,378 to € 5,331 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher, scale 10 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
All about this vacancy
What are you going to do?
You will uncover the evolution of the eclepin biosynthetic pathway. Using microbiological approaches and the Microp culture collection from phase I, you will identify the microbes contributing to eclepin formation. By employing knockouts or natural mutants in eclepin biosynthesis, you will demonstrate its role for plant fitness and the modulation of microbial diversity and nematode infection. We anticipate this will further unravel the importance of a new signaling molecule, enriching our understanding of chemical diversification and its impact on the plant-microbiome interaction. The research outcomes hold potential for industry applications, enabling breeders to develop crops with improved microbial relationships and improved N use efficiency. Ultimately, this work may contribute to fertilizer reduction by harnessing beneficial microbes, thereby reducing production costs for farmers and mitigating environmental impacts.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- 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 group members and during consortium meetings. Incorporate feedback and give input to others;
- present your results at (inter)national scientific meetings;
- involve in writing project reports;
- expand you academic, professional and personal skills;
- take a leading role in writing and publishing manuscripts;
- assist in teaching and supervising Bachelor and Master thesis and tutoring students.
What do you have to offer?
You are passionate about plant metabolism and its role in plant-microbe interactions. You are skilled in biosynthesis and plant molecular biology. You feel comfortable performing data analysis but are also experimentally well-versed. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary team and are a team player. You have good communication skills as you will be expected to discuss your results with partners and in (inter)national meetings.
Your experience and profile:
You have/are:
- a PhD in Biology or Plant Science;
- strong background in biosynthesis and plant metabolism;
- experience with molecular biological and biochemical tools;
- experience with omics analysis (especially transcriptomics and metabolomics);
- experience with data analysis using R or related program languages;
- experience with plant-microbe interaction;
- fluent in English, both written and spoken.
Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of one year. Upon a good evaluation this will be extended with another 2 years. The preferred starting date is 1 July 2025. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,378 to € 5,331 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher, scale 10 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
Your place at the UvA
Where you will work
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 20 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.
If you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research team and are eager to contribute to the understanding of how plants interact with other organisms, then the Plant Hormone Biology group is the place to be. We are an international and diverse team of 20+ members, including post-docs, PhD candidates, and technicians with expertise in various scientific areas. We use molecular biology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry to study the crosstalk between organisms and how abundance and function of the root microbiota affect plant performance, including under a range of stresses. Our research is aimed at improving plant performance and resistance and harnessing the potential of beneficial root microbes in crops for sustainable food production with reduced inputs.
Organisational unit
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
Where you will work
The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 20 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.
If you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research team and are eager to contribute to the understanding of how plants interact with other organisms, then the Plant Hormone Biology group is the place to be. We are an international and diverse team of 20+ members, including post-docs, PhD candidates, and technicians with expertise in various scientific areas. We use molecular biology, microbiology, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry to study the crosstalk between organisms and how abundance and function of the root microbiota affect plant performance, including under a range of stresses. Our research is aimed at improving plant performance and resistance and harnessing the potential of beneficial root microbes in crops for sustainable food production with reduced inputs.
Organisational unit
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. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 18 May 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;
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: National knowledge security guidelines).
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Lemeng Dong ([email protected])
- T: +31205257545
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.
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. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 18 May 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;
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: National knowledge security guidelines).
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Lemeng Dong ([email protected])
- T: +31205257545
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.
Other interesting vacancies for you
Post-doc Fairness of Climate Solutions
- Amsterdam Law School
- €3.378 - €6.209
- Closes on15-05-2025
- PhD
- Minimum 30.4 hours
Would you like to contribute to interdisciplinary research on Fairness of Climate Solutions? And are you keen on working with societal stakeholders? SEVEN, the University of Amsterdam's (UvA) new interdisciplinary climate institute, is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated researcher with a completed PhD to play a leading role in our 2-year project ‘Fairness of Climate Solutions’.
View vacancy
Postdoc Investigating Human Sources of Bias in AI Face Classification Models
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- €4.537 - €6.209
- Closes on15-05-2025
- PhD
- 30 - 38 hours
How are human ideologies and prejudices amplified by AI models? How do human biases get into AI model training data? And how does the output of such models influence the decisions and behaviors of users? Given the world’s increasing reliance on AI for decision making, it is crucial to understand the role of AI models in propagate human ideologies and prejudices.
View vacancy
Postdoctoral Researcher Translational Neuroscience with Entrepreneurial Ambition
- Faculty of Science
- €3.378 - €5.331
- Closes on25-05-2025
- PhD
- 38 hours
Are you an ambitious postdoctoral researcher who is interested in unraveling mechanisms of human neurological diseases, but also wants to transition our discoveries into therapeutic strategies to help human patients? Then we are looking for you to strengthen our team! You will be joining the research group Evolutionary Neurogenomics dedicated to elucidate the impact of human genome evolution on human brain development and neurodevelopmental / neurodegenerative disorders.
View vacancy
Other interesting vacancies for you
Post-doc Fairness of Climate Solutions
- Amsterdam Law School
- €3.378 - €6.209
- Closes on15-05-2025
- PhD
- Minimum 30.4 hours
Would you like to contribute to interdisciplinary research on Fairness of Climate Solutions? And are you keen on working with societal stakeholders? SEVEN, the University of Amsterdam's (UvA) new interdisciplinary climate institute, is looking for an enthusiastic, dedicated researcher with a completed PhD to play a leading role in our 2-year project ‘Fairness of Climate Solutions’.
View vacancy
.jpg)
Postdoc Investigating Human Sources of Bias in AI Face Classification Models
- Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
- €4.537 - €6.209
- Closes on15-05-2025
- PhD
- 30 - 38 hours
How are human ideologies and prejudices amplified by AI models? How do human biases get into AI model training data? And how does the output of such models influence the decisions and behaviors of users? Given the world’s increasing reliance on AI for decision making, it is crucial to understand the role of AI models in propagate human ideologies and prejudices.
View vacancy
Postdoctoral Researcher Translational Neuroscience with Entrepreneurial Ambition
- Faculty of Science
- €3.378 - €5.331
- Closes on25-05-2025
- PhD
- 38 hours
Are you an ambitious postdoctoral researcher who is interested in unraveling mechanisms of human neurological diseases, but also wants to transition our discoveries into therapeutic strategies to help human patients? Then we are looking for you to strengthen our team! You will be joining the research group Evolutionary Neurogenomics dedicated to elucidate the impact of human genome evolution on human brain development and neurodevelopmental / neurodegenerative disorders.
View vacancy
Don't miss out on your dream job!
Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.
Don't miss out on your dream job!
Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.
This website uses cookies
We, and third parties, use cookies on our website. We use cookies to ensure that our website functions properly, to store your preferences, to gain insight into visitor behavior, but also for marketing and social media purposes (showing personalized advertisements). By clicking 'Accept', you agree to the use of all cookies. In our Cookie Statement. you can read more about the cookies we use and save or change your preferences. By clicking 'Refuse' you only agree to the use of functional cookies.