The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is inviting applications from ambitious and qualified candidates for a fully funded PhD Position in Biochemical Characterisation of Signal Integration in Plants. Based within the Plant Cell Biology group at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), this position is part of an prestigious NWO VIDI-funded project led by Dr. André Kuhn. The successful candidate will investigate how protein complexes coordinate and integrate complex environmental signals such as drought, salinity, and pathogens in plants.
Position Overview
| Position Title | PhD Candidate – Biochemical Characterisation of Signal Integration in Plants | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Host Institution | University of Amsterdam (Faculty of Science, SILS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location | Amsterdam Science Park, Amsterdam, Netherlands | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employment Type | Full-time (38 hours per week), 4-year contract | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remuneration | €3,204 to €4,051PhD Scholarship – Biochemical Characterisation of Signal Integration in PlantsSummaryThe University of Amsterdam (UvA), Netherlands is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Biochemical Characterisation of Signal Integration in Plants within the Faculty of Science. The research will investigate how plant cells integrate multiple environmental signals through B4-RAF kinase signalling complexes, combining plant molecular biology, protein biochemistry, functional proteomics, quantitative live-cell imaging, and genetics. The position is part of an NWO VIDI-funded project led by Dr. André Kuhn and will be based in the Plant Cell Biology group at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences. Scholarship / Position Details
The salary increases from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the final year, excluding 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. DesignationPhD Candidate – Biochemical Characterisation of Signal Integration in Plants Research AreaThe PhD project focuses on understanding how plants rapidly integrate simultaneous environmental signals, particularly:
The project will investigate B4-RAF protein kinases as intracellular signal integrators and determine how their signalling complexes assemble, localise, and contribute to plant responses to environmental stress. LocationSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), Amsterdam Science Park, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands. The candidate will join the Plant Cell Biology group within the Green Life Sciences cluster. Eligibility / QualificationApplicants should have:
Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in plants or analysis of proteomics/imaging data using tools such as Python or R is considered an advantage. Job DescriptionThe successful PhD candidate will investigate B4-RAF signalling complexes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Key research activities include:
The candidate will also complete a PhD thesis, design and analyse experiments independently, collaborate with researchers, contribute to scientific publications, participate in PhD training programmes, and assist with teaching and supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students. BenefitsThe position offers:
How to ApplyInterested candidates should apply online through the University of Amsterdam vacancy portal. The application should include:
All files except the CV should be submitted together in one single PDF file. Contact: Dr. André Kuhn, Assistant Professor Last Date to Apply9 October 2026 Applications are accepted until and including 9 October 2026. Vacancy Number: 15431 Details |
