Postdoctoral researcher in induced defenses in tomato: A 2-year postdoctoral position in plant defenses in tomato funded by the Dutch Science Foundation (NWO) is available at the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics is one of the eight research institutes of theFaculty of Science of the UvA.

IBED covers a wide range of subjects, in both fundamental and applied research. Our scientific studies aim at a better understanding of the dynamics of ecosystems at all relevant levels, from genes to climate change, using a truly multidisciplinary approach.

Faculty of Science – Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics

Level of education: PhD
Salary indication: €2,476 to €3,908 gross per month
Closing date: 26 July 2015
Hours: 38 hours per week
Vacancy number: 15-273

Project description

The aim of this project is to investigate how a plant’s defense chemistry is influenced by its morphology. Tomato plants are covered with tiny leaf hairs and some of these leaf hairs contain metabolically active cells believed to be responsible for the production of defensive secondary metabolites. He we will explore to which extent tomato hair mutants display inducible defenses and resistance to herbivores. The position will be based in the molecular & chemical ecology lab of Assoc. Prof. M. Kant.

Requirements

We are looking for a talented young scientist with a PhD in Plant-Microbe Interactions and a background in induced plant defenses and plant volatiles.

The successful candidate should have excellent quantitative skills in analytical chemistry making use of GC-MS (SPE/SPME) and LC-MS, plant transformation and gene-expression analysis and should have experience in conducting bioassays with (microbial) plant pests.

The candidate must have a compelling publication record in international journals and an interest to work both independently and in teams.

Further information

For additional information, please contact:

  • Dr. M. Kant, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam
    T: +31 (0)20 525 7793

Appointment

The starting date is flexible, but should preferably be no later than August or September 2015. The full-time appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of 2 years (initial appointment will be for a period of 12 months and after satisfactory evaluation it can be extended for a total duration of 2 years). The full-time gross monthly salary will range from €2,476 to €3,908 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on 38 hours per week. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities is applicable. The annual salary will be increased by 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3 % end-of-year bonus.

How to Apply

Applications should include a short cover letter, a detailed CV, and the names and contact addresses of two referees from which information about the candidate can be obtained. Applications should be sent before 28 July to application-science@uva.nl. To allow immediate processing of your application, please quote vacancy number 15-273 and the position you are applying for in the subject-line. Interviews will be held in end of July or beginning of August 2015.

Apply now