The research group Plant Microbe Interactions at the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, is inviting applications for a 100% PhD position. This role is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project ‘Decoding plant growth in response to complex soil microbiomes,’ which seeks to understand how plants perceive and integrate microbiome inputs into their growth and defense mechanisms.
Scholarship Summary
| Institution | University of Basel |
| Department | Department of Environmental Sciences |
| Position | PhD Student |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Project | SNSF project ‘Decoding plant growth in response to complex soil microbiomes’ |
| Location | Basel, Switzerland |
Designation
PhD Student (100% position)
Research Area
The research focuses on Plant Microbiome Biology, specifically investigating how root microbes contribute to plant growth or defense. The project involves exploring new candidate loci and non-canonical immune receptors using state-of-the-art methods such as microbiome feedback assays, mutant and overexpression analyses, transcriptome profiling, and microbiota profiling.
Location
Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland.
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- A strong background in plant-microbe interactions, genetics, and molecular biology.
- Highly self-motivated, proactive, and committed with a “getting-things-done” attitude.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
Scholarship Description
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral program of the Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center. The position offers a dynamic research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse team of international colleagues. The goal of the research is to identify the genetic basis that enables plants to benefit from beneficial soil microbiomes. The salary will be provided according to the University of Basel standards for a period of four years.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application via the University of Basel recruiting portal. The application should ideally be submitted as a single PDF file and must include:
- A motivation letter.
- A complete CV.
- University marks/transcripts.
- A record of any publications (if applicable).
- Contact details for two references.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Klaus Schlaeppi at klaus.schlaeppi@unibas.ch.
Last Date for Apply
Review of applications will begin in December and will continue until the position is filled.
