PhD Positions in Plant Biology: The Laboratory of Plant Molecular and Cell Biology, led by Prof. Joop Vermeer at the University of Neuchâtel, is seeking two motivated PhD students to join their research team. These positions offer an exciting opportunity to explore intercellular communication and root development using advanced molecular and genetic techniques.
PhD Positions in Plant Biology at University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Designation
PhD Student in Plant Biology
Research Area
Plant Molecular and Cell Biology with a focus on lateral root formation and intercellular communication in Arabidopsis thaliana, Cardamine hirsuta, and Brachypodium distachyon.
Location
Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree in biology
- Proficiency in English (oral and written)
- Willingness to assist with practical courses
- Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:
- (Molecular) genetics
- Cytoskeleton studies
- Confocal microscopy and/or histology
- Plant physiology
- Statistical analyses and computational approaches (e.g., using R, Python, Alphafold)
Job Description
Project 1 (Starting August 2024)
Title: Fast Phosphoproteomics to Understand Pericycle/Endodermis Communication During Lateral Root Formation
Description: In collaboration with Prof. Dolf Weijers (WUR, NL), this project aims to characterize candidates that are differentially phosphorylated between wild-type and spatial accommodation mutants. The goal is to deepen the understanding of biochemical and mechanical signal integration during root branching.
Project 2 (Starting February 2025)
Title: Understanding Endodermis Dedifferentiation During Lateral Root Formation
Description: This project involves investigating the dedifferentiation process of the endodermis during lateral root formation in Brachypodium. Additionally, it aims to understand the role of local auxin signaling in the exodermis.
We Offer:
- Fully funded employment with social benefits
- Access to networking and workshops through the CUSO Molecular Plant Science doctoral program (https://biologie.cuso.ch)
- Collaborative and dynamic environment within the Institute of Biology at UniNE (www.unine.ch/biologie)
- Exceptional opportunities for collaboration and access to state-of-the-art technical platforms
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents to Prof. Joop Vermeer via email at joop.vermeer@unine.ch:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Names and contact details of two referees
Last Date to Apply
Positions will remain open until filled. Preferred starting dates are August 2024 for Project 1 and February 2025 for Project 2.
For more information, please contact Prof. Joop Vermeer via email (joop.vermeer@unine.ch).
