PhD Position in Plant RNA Biology

Job description

In addition to RNAs that encode proteins, small non-coding RNAs are instrumental in regulating developmental and epigenetic processes. Plants possess a myriad of small RNA molecules with diverse functions. To understand their biological functions from the molecular to organismal level, we are characterizing the mechanistic basis of their biogenesis and gene-regulatory activities. If you are interested in revealing how small non-coding RNAs regulate plant developmental and epigenetic processes, then please apply for this PhD position offered in the Cluster of Plant Developmental Biology at Wageningen University & Research.

As a PhD student, your key responsibilities include:

Planning and conducting research activities

Writing manuscripts for publications and your thesis

Presenting your research progress at local, national and international meetings

Co-supervising Bachelor and Master's students

You will work here The research is embedded within the Nodine team, which is part of the chair Laboratory of Molecular Biology in the Plant Developmental Biology Cluster (https: // www. wur.nl/en/research-results/chair-groups/plant-sciences/plant- developmental-biology.htm) led by Dr. Viola Willemsen (https: // www. wur.nl/en/persons/viola-dr.-va-viola-willemsen.htm). You will be co-supervised by Dr. Michael Nodine and Drzo Viola Willemsen.

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Requirements

You have a Master's degree in biology or will possess a Master's degree by the intended start date. You also possess:

Strong interest in plant biology, molecular biology or bioinformatics

Master's student level of knowledge in plant sciences, molecular biology and genetics

Basic understanding of epigenetics, plant development, statistics

The potential to become an independent scientist with proficient critical thinking skills

Work experience in a genetic, molecular or cellular biology laboratory

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

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Conditions of employment

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;

working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;

the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;

there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;

a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;

excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team. The gross salary for the first year is € 2.541,- per month rising to € 3.247,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the " Best University " in the Netherlands for the 18th consecutive time.

Coming from abroad Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

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Employer Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR's Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Michael Nodine, (Laboratory of Molecular Biology), e-mail: [email protected]. For more information about the procedure, please contact: [email protected]

Do you want to apply? You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. This vacancy will be listed up to and including March 20th, 2023. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on Monday 27th, 2023.

Equal opportunities Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.