PhD Candidate in Plant Evolutionary Ecology: Plant-Parasite Interactions under Climate Warming
The Department of Biology at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim is offering a fully funded PhD position in Plant Evolutionary Ecology, focusing on plant-parasite interactions under climate warming. The successful candidate will join the Vandegehuchte lab, part of the Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution (BEE) section, a vibrant research community investigating ecological and evolutionary processes that underpin biodiversity and their responses to environmental change.
This PhD project is embedded within the interdisciplinary StrawberryWalls initiative, funded by the Research Council of Norway. The project brings together expertise in plant ecology, molecular biology, physics, and plant physiology from NTNU and the University of Tromsø. The research will explore how woodland strawberry (
Fragaria vesca
) and its infection by field dodder (
Cuscuta campestris
) and northern root-knot nematodes (
Meloidogyne hapla
) respond to temperature changes, with both parasites increasingly affecting crops in northern regions.
The candidate will conduct full-factorial common garden experiments to assess how plant genotype, environmental factors (including parasite presence and warming), and their interactions influence plant performance. Key methodologies include measuring life history traits, fitness, and hyperspectral imaging of roots and shoots. The project also involves quantifying parasite performance and collaborating on advanced imaging techniques such as Brillouin microscopy to study plant cell wall mechanics. Molecular approaches will utilize
Arabidopsis thaliana
to identify genes involved in temperature and parasite responses, with CRISPR-CAS used to test gene function in strawberries.
Main duties include completing doctoral education (30 ECTS credits), conducting high-quality research, publishing in international journals, participating in the BEE research group, engaging in international activities, and writing and defending a PhD thesis. The position offers career guidance, mentoring, working capital, favorable pension terms, and free basic Norwegian language training.
Applicants must have a relevant master's degree in Biology or equivalent, with strong academic performance (B or better on NTNU's scale). Experience in ecology, evolutionary biology, and/or phenotyping is required, along with proficiency in English. Preferred skills include field, greenhouse, or laboratory work on plants, quantitative genetics, plant-plant or plant-invertebrate interactions, nematology, advanced statistical and computational methods, and practical knowledge of R. Personal qualities such as independence, motivation, and adaptability are valued.
The position is fully funded for three years, with a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800 and a 2% contribution to the State Pension Fund. The employment period is fixed term, with a tentative start in April 2026. The application deadline is 7 January 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically via Jobbnorge.no, including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, thesis, publications, and referee contacts. All documents should be in English.
NTNU is committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The university offers a supportive environment in Trondheim, a city known for its rich cultural scene, excellent welfare services, and opportunities for nature and family life.
