Summary
The Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), in collaboration with Utrecht University (UU), is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position investigating how natural epigenetic variation (epialleles) contributes to rapid adaptation and heritable trait differences in wild plant populations. Using an apomictic (clonally reproducing) dandelion lineage as a model system, this project leverages genomics, long-read sequencing, and bioinformatics to disentangle genetic effects from epigenetic regulation.
PhD Scholarship Position: Exposing the Contribution of Epialleles to Heritable Variation in Plants
Key Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Position / Designation | PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher |
| Host Institution | Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) |
| Collaborating Partner | Utrecht University (UU) |
| Research Department | Department of Terrestrial Ecology (Plant Ecological Genetics Group) |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Koen Verhoeven |
| Research Area | Plant Epigenetics, Ecological Genomics, & Bioinformatics |
| Location | Wageningen, Gelderland, Netherlands |
| Contract Duration | 4 years (Full-time) |
| Remuneration / Salary | Standard Dutch PhD scale (approx. €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month) + holiday allowance & end-of-year bonus |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Designation
- PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher (Tijdelijk / Fixed-term)
Research Area
- Plant Ecological Genomics & Epigenetics
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
- Evolutionary Biology & Plant Adaptation
Location
- NIOO-KNAW, Droevendaalsesteeg 10, 6708 PB Wageningen, Netherlands
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Degree: A completed MSc degree (or near completion) in Plant Sciences, Bioinformatics, Plant Genomics, Molecular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, or a closely related field.
- Analytical Skills: Strong experience in bioinformatics, computational data analysis, and statistical evaluation (e.g., R, Python, Linux/command-line tools).
- Technical Experience: Familiarity with next-generation sequencing (NGS), long-read sequencing workflows, differential gene expression analyses, and DNA methylation analysis.
- Competencies: An enthusiastic, curious, and collaborative mindset; ability to work independently in an international team environment.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
Scholarship / Project Description
Heritable trait variation is crucial for plants to adapt quickly to changing environments. While DNA methylation variants (epialleles) can create trait variation independent of DNA sequence changes, proving their causality has long been challenging.
Core Objectives & Responsibilities:
- Model System: Work with apomictic dandelion accessions that reproduce via clonal seeds, enabling the isolation of epigenetic variation from genetic background noise.
- Sequencing & Epigenome Profiling: Supervise and implement long-read and short-read sequencing approaches to evaluate DNA methylation, SNPs, and structural variation.
- Transcriptomic Integration: Carry out differential gene expression analyses linked to methylation patterns.
- Environmental Triggers: Investigate the role of environmental stressors in the emergence of candidate epialleles.
- Collaboration & Dissemination: Collaborate closely with a parallel PhD project at Utrecht University focused on epigenomic editing, present findings at international conferences, and publish peer-reviewed papers leading to a PhD dissertation.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official KNAW vacancy portal:
- Visit the KNAW Job Portal.
- Click on the “Apply now” button.
- Prepare and upload the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter detailing your research experience, interests, and suitability for the project
- Contact details for 2 academic referees
- Academic transcripts/degree certificates (MSc and BSc)
Last Date for Apply
- September 30, 2026
