PhD Funded Position in Plant Signal Integration at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Are you fascinated by how plants sense and respond to multiple environmental stresses at the same time? Do you have experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell biology, or quantitative imaging? The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is inviting applications for a PhD position in the biochemical characterization of signal integration in plants.
The PhD project focuses on how plant cells rapidly integrate simultaneous environmental signals, including osmotic stress, salinity, and pathogen-derived signals. The research will investigate B4-RAF protein kinases as intracellular signal integrators and examine how these proteins assemble into signaling complexes that coordinate early cellular responses.
The successful candidate will join an ambitious and international research team in the Plant Cell Biology group, within the Green Life Sciences cluster at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), University of Amsterdam. The project is part of an NWO VIDI-funded research programme led by Dr. André Kuhn.
About the Plant Signal Integration Research
Plants constantly face changing environmental conditions. Drought, soil salinity, pathogens, and other stresses can occur simultaneously, requiring plant cells to perceive and integrate multiple signals before producing an appropriate response.
Although researchers understand many of the mechanisms involved in individual stress responses, the molecular processes that allow plants to integrate several co-occurring signals rapidly remain less well understood. This PhD project aims to address that gap by studying specialized protein complexes involved in intracellular signal integration.
The overarching research programme investigates how plant cells respond to simultaneous osmotic, salinity, and pathogen-related signals. The PhD researcher will focus specifically on B4-RAF protein kinases, which respond rapidly to different environmental stimuli and appear in distinct subcellular puncta. These observations suggest that B4-RAF proteins may assemble into signaling complexes, or signalosomes, that coordinate early cellular responses.
PhD Research Objectives
The project has three central research objectives. First, the researcher will identify and validate the components of B4-RAF signaling complexes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Second, the project will investigate how these complexes assemble and change their localization under different environmental conditions. Third, the researcher will determine how B4-RAF signaling complexes contribute to plant stress resilience.
The project combines several complementary research areas, including:
- Plant molecular biology
- Protein biochemistry
- Functional proteomics
- Quantitative live-cell imaging
- Plant genetics
- Protein-protein interaction analysis
- Cellular signaling and kinase regulation
This multidisciplinary design makes the position particularly suitable for researchers who want to combine experimental biochemistry with genetics and advanced microscopy.
Research Methods and Experimental Approaches
The successful PhD candidate will use modern experimental techniques to investigate B4-RAF signalosomes at molecular, cellular, and functional levels. One major research activity will involve identifying candidate components of B4-RAF signaling complexes using immunoprecipitation coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (IP-MS/MS). These analyses will build on existing proximity-labeling datasets.
Candidate interactions will then be experimentally validated using methods such as FRET-FLIM, co-immunoprecipitation, and live-cell confocal imaging. The researcher will also generate and characterize Arabidopsis loss-of-function mutants and fluorescent reporter lines. Another important component will be microfluidics-coupled live-cell imaging. This approach will allow the researcher to investigate the spatial and temporal dynamics of B4-RAF signaling complexes and determine how their localization changes in response to different environmental conditions.
The project will ultimately integrate proteomics, imaging, and genetic datasets to develop mechanistic models explaining how plants rapidly integrate multiple environmental signals.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
The PhD researcher will be responsible for designing, performing, analyzing, and documenting experiments in an independent and systematic manner.
The main responsibilities include:
- Completing a PhD thesis within the official four-year appointment
- Independently planning and conducting experiments
- Analyzing and documenting experimental results
- Troubleshooting experimental procedures
- Participating actively in the research group
- Collaborating with PhD researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians
- Discussing research progress during group and departmental meetings
- Incorporating feedback from colleagues and supervisors
- Taking a leading role in preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals
- Participating in the University of Amsterdam PhD training programme
- Joining the national graduate school Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS)
- Assisting with teaching and supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s students
The position therefore combines laboratory research with scientific writing, academic training, teaching, and collaboration.
Your Profile
The University of Amsterdam is looking for a motivated researcher with a strong interest in biochemistry and cell biology and a desire to understand environmental signaling in plants at the molecular level. The ideal candidate is particularly interested in protein signaling mechanisms, including kinase regulation, protein complexes, and phosphorylation-dependent signaling. The ability to combine biochemical experiments with molecular genetics and quantitative microscopy is highly relevant to the project. Applicants should be methodical, curious, proactive, and comfortable taking initiative while also working closely with an interdisciplinary international team.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- An MSc degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline
- Hands-on laboratory experience in at least two relevant areas
- Experience in protein biochemistry, plant molecular biology, confocal microscopy, proteomics, and/or protein-protein interaction assays
- The ability to carefully plan experiments and maintain high-quality laboratory records
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
- Fluent written and spoken English
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in plants is an advantage. Experience analyzing proteomics or imaging datasets, including with Python or R, is also considered a plus.
What the University of Amsterdam Offers
The University of Amsterdam offers a temporary 38-hour-per-week contract for four years. The initial contract will cover 18 months and can be extended following a satisfactory evaluation, for a total appointment duration of four years. The position is intended to lead to a PhD dissertation. The researcher will follow an educational plan that includes relevant courses and national and international scientific meetings. Teaching undergraduate and Master’s students is also part of the role.
The salary ranges from €3,204 gross per month in the first year to €4,051 gross per month in the final year, based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week. The salary figures exclude 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. For eligible international applicants, the Dutch 30% ruling may apply. Employment conditions are governed by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).
Additional Benefits
The position also includes several secondary employment benefits, including:
- 232 holiday hours per year based on full-time employment
- Courses offered through the Teaching and Learning Centre
- A comprehensive PhD educational programme
- ABP pension, with the University of Amsterdam paying two-thirds of the contribution
- Opportunities to take Dutch-language courses
- Assistance with finding housing for international researchers moving to Amsterdam
Research Environment at the University of Amsterdam
The PhD candidate will work at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS), located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes within the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science. With approximately 240 employees, the institute conducts internationally oriented life-science research and contributes to education across several university programmes.
Its research activities span four broad themes: Cell & Systems Biology, Neurosciences, Microbiology, and Green Life Sciences. The institute also collaborates with medical, biotechnology, chemical, food and agricultural, and high-tech industries.
The PhD project is located within the Green Life Sciences cluster. This cluster investigates plant function from developmental processes to complex physiological traits. Research is conducted across five groups covering Plant Cell Biology, Plant Physiology, Molecular Plant Pathology, Plant Hormone Biology, and Development & (Epi)Genetics.
Academic and Professional Development
The position provides opportunities to develop expertise across several areas of modern plant science. The successful researcher will work at the interface of plant genetics, biochemistry, functional proteomics, and quantitative imaging. Researchers will also have opportunities to present their findings at national and international conferences, develop academic and professional skills, participate in science communication and outreach, and work with state-of-the-art facilities at SILS and the University of Amsterdam.
The combination of advanced research methods and interdisciplinary training makes this PhD suitable for candidates planning careers in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, biotechnology, or academic research.
Salary, Duration, and Position Details
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Position – Biochemical Characterisation of Signal Integration in Plants |
| University | University of Amsterdam (UvA) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
| Institute | Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences |
| Research Cluster | Green Life Sciences |
| Research Group | Plant Cell Biology |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. André Kuhn |
| Research Area | Plant Signal Integration |
| Model Organism | Arabidopsis thaliana |
| Contract | 38 hours per week |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Initial Contract | 18 months |
| Salary | €3,204–€4,051 gross/month |
| Holiday Pay | 8% |
| End-of-Year Bonus | 8.3% |
| PhD Programme | UvA PhD Programme / Experimental Plant Sciences |
| Preferred Start | As soon as possible according to the vacancy; source states no later than 1 February 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 9 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online application |
| Contact | Dr. André Kuhn |
| Contact Email | a.kuhn@uva.nl |
Important date note: The source vacancy contains an apparent date inconsistency: it states that the preferred starting date is “not later than February 1st, 2026,” while the application deadline is 9 October 2026. The application deadline is stated consistently in the application section. Applicants should confirm the current start date directly with the University of Amsterdam before applying.
This PhD position offers an opportunity to study a fundamental question in plant biology: how do plant cells rapidly integrate multiple environmental signals and convert them into coordinated responses? By focusing on B4-RAF kinase signaling complexes, the project connects protein biochemistry, plant genetics, proteomics, quantitative microscopy, and cell biology. The researcher will have the opportunity to work with advanced technologies such as IP-MS/MS, FRET-FLIM, confocal microscopy, proximity-labeling datasets, and microfluidics-based live-cell imaging.
The position also provides structured doctoral training, international research exposure, conference opportunities, teaching experience, and access to the research infrastructure of the University of Amsterdam. For graduates with an MSc in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline, this PhD can provide a strong research environment for developing expertise in plant stress signaling, kinase biology, protein complexes, quantitative imaging, and functional proteomics.
How to Apply:
Candidates who match the profile are invited to submit an online application through APPLY NOW. The application should include:
- A detailed CV, including months as well as years for education and employment
- A letter of motivation
- The names and email addresses of two referees who can provide letters of recommendation
- All files other than the CV should be submitted together in one single PDF file.
- The application deadline is 9 October 2026, including that date.
- APPLY NOW
A knowledge-security check may form part of the selection procedure.
Contact
For questions or additional information about the position, contact:
Dr. André Kuhn
Assistant Professor
University of Amsterdam
Email: a.kuhn@uva.nl
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the topic of this PhD position?
The PhD project investigates the biochemical and cell-biological basis of rapid signal integration in plants, with a particular focus on B4-RAF kinase signaling complexes.
Which plant will be used in the research?
The main model organism is Arabidopsis thaliana.
What environmental signals will be studied?
The broader project examines how plant cells integrate osmotic, salinity, and pathogen-derived signals occurring together.
What are B4-RAF kinases?
Within this project, B4-RAF protein kinases are investigated as potential intracellular signal integrators that rapidly respond to different environmental stimuli and appear to assemble into signaling complexes.
What techniques will the PhD researcher use?
The project includes IP-MS/MS, FRET-FLIM, co-immunoprecipitation, live-cell confocal imaging, microfluidics-coupled imaging, plant genetics, functional proteomics, and molecular biology.
What degree is required?
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
Is plant research experience required?
Hands-on laboratory experience in at least two relevant areas is expected. These can include protein biochemistry, plant molecular biology, confocal microscopy, proteomics, or protein-protein interaction assays.
Is CRISPR experience required?
No. Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in plants is listed as a plus rather than a mandatory requirement.
Is programming experience required?
Programming experience is not listed as mandatory. However, experience analyzing proteomics or imaging data using Python or R is considered an advantage.
What is the PhD salary?
The full-time gross monthly salary ranges 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.
How long is the PhD appointment?
The appointment is for four years. The initial contract is for 18 months and can be extended following satisfactory evaluation.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 9 October 2026.
What documents are required?
Applicants should submit a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and the names and email addresses of two referees. The source specifies that all files except the CV should be combined into one PDF.
Where will the PhD researcher work?
The researcher will be based at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) at the University of Amsterdam’s Amsterdam Science Park.
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