PhD candidate on molecular details of plant-bacteria clock interactions
The Faculty of Science / the Institute for Biology is looking for a :
PhD candidate on molecular details of plant-bacteria clock interactions
Vacancy number: 15748
Are you interested in unlocking the secrets of bacteria and plant clock interactions? Would you like to combine molecular microbiology, plant-microbiome interaction, and microscopy? We have a PhD vacancy to investigate clocks in bacteria and plant.
Project description
We are hiring a PhD candidate to join our ERC-funded team on chronomicrobiology, a new field that bridges microbiology and chronobiology. The MicroClock program follows up on our novel discovery of a circadian clock in Bacillus subtilis. This PhD opportunity focuses on uncovering the molecular details of the bacterial circadian clock during interaction with the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. The PhD candidate will employ molecular biology tools to follow circadian gene expression in Bacillus subtilis as it colonizes the plant root. This work will be carried out in collaboration with our consortium partners at the John Innes Centre and LMU Munich. The PhD candidate will learn chronobiological principles and experimentation and be a key part of discovering a cross kingdom circadian system. The PhD candidate will be involved in an interdisciplinary, innovative project in a productive scientific environment with a good work-life balance.
Work and profile
The Faculty of Science Leiden and Institute of Biology are looking for a candidate with a solid background in plant-microorganism interaction, specifically concentrating on molecular microbiology of bacteria, preferably experience with
- genetic engineering of model bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis
- fluorescence microscopy
- interest in chronobiology (circadian biology)
- ability to work in a highly collaborative (international) project and able to undertake international travel
- background on microbial ecology and evolutionary theory is advantageous
- The candidate will join a dynamic research group working on the development and chemical ecology of plant beneficial bacteria, including plant microbiomes and
- bacteria-fungi interaction. The project includes collaboration with plant biologists.
Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than staff and almost 5000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.
For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and http://workingat.leiden.edu/
The Institute for Biology
The research within the Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) aims to work on the science base of biodiversity and health, which is reflected in our leading principle Harnessing Biodiversity for Health. We perform innovative curiosity-driven research to answer fundamental questions, and solutions-driven research to help solving major societal challenges. The latter include protecting nature’s biodiversity, creating sustainable biotechnology and agriculture and increasing good health. Our research focuses on four Research Themes: Bioactive Molecules, Host-Microbe Interactions, Development & Disease and Evolution & Biodiversity. Located in a thriving scientific environment with our Faculty of Sciences, Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, the Leiden University Medical Centre and the Leiden Bioscience Park, IBL offers an exciting, internationally oriented and inclusive place to work and study.
Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from € 2.901,- to € 3.707,- gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.
Information
Enquiries can be made to Prof. dr Ákos T. Kovács (a.t.kovacs@biology.leidenuniv.nl). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Christina Kamerman (HR@biology.leidenuniv.nl).
Applications
Applications for this vacancy can be submitted via the blue button of our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:
- CV
- Motivation letter
Only applications received before 30-06-2025 can be considered.
