PhD student Plant Molecular Biology (1.0 FTE)

Brief project overview:

Plants detect high plant densities via specific colors in the light (notably far-red light enrichment and blue light depletion) that induce shade avoidance responses. These responses include accelerated stem elongation, movement of leaves and changes in root development. We have recently started to notice, that although some of these are local responses to local signal perception, others involve signal transduction over spatial scales that encompass the entire organism. This PhD project represents a novel direction in our research that has a solid foundation in our previously built expertise. You will be studying the molecular and physiological mechanisms enabling developmental responses to light signals over multiple spatial scales within the organism.

Technically, your work may include, but may not be limited to, transcriptomics, gene cloning and transgenic expression, Western blotting, Y2H, BiFC, plant growth and physiology quantification, (confocal) microscopy. In addition, you will get the opportunity to develop your teaching skills by participating in the teaching of our courses and supervising BSc and MSc students in the lab.