PhD Position on Decoding Plant Microbiota: Utrecht University is offering a PhD position in a MICROP project focused on developing predictive AI models to understand plant-microbiota host specificity. This research aims to improve the performance of microbial introductions in agriculture through a better understanding of microbiome assembly.
PhD Position on Decoding Plant Microbiota–Host Specificity Using AI
Designation
PhD Candidate in Plant Microbiota – Host Specificity Using AI.
Research Area
Microbiome Ecology, Genomics, Data Science, Plant and Microbial Biology, Bioinformatics, and Machine Learning.
Location
Utrecht University, Netherlands.
Eligibility/Qualification
- Master’s degree (MSc) in Plant Biology, Microbial Biology, Plant Biotechnology, or a related field.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
- Experience in practical lab work related to plant biology and microbiology.
- Familiarity with bioinformatics, machine learning, and analysis of ‘omics data sets (metagenomics, transcriptomics) is preferred.
Job Description
- Conduct large-scale SynCom experiments and root microbiome profiling using shotgun metagenomics.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop AI models predicting microbial colonization outcomes based on plant genetics and microbiome traits.
- Execute experiments with a variety of plant species and complex synthetic microbial communities (SynComs).
- Contribute to training BSc and MSc students involved in related research tasks (~15% of work time).
- Opportunely explore innovative directions in plant-microbiome research and develop new microbiome engineering strategies.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- A motivation letter describing a significant research challenge faced during previous studies and how it was resolved.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Contact information for at least two referees (names, phone numbers, and email addresses).
Applications can be submitted through the university’s job portal.
Last Date for Applying
June 16, 2025.
