Publisher
source

Utrecht University

PhD in Epialleles, Epigenomic Editing, and Heritable Variation Utrecht University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Molecular Biology

Funding

PhD position for 18 months initially, with extension to a total of four years upon positive assessment after the first 18 months. Salary starts at €3,204 gross per month in year 1 and rises annually to €4,051 in year 4, based on full-time employment (salary scale P under the CAO NU). Includes 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

Deadline

Sep 17, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Utrecht University

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Keywords

Molecular Biology
Plant Biology
Biotechnology
Biology
Genome Editing
Genetic
Epigenetic

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About this position

Utrecht University in the Netherlands is offering a PhD position on epialleles, epigenetics, DNA methylation, CRISPR/Cas9, and epigenomic editing in apomictic dandelions. The project asks how much epigenetic variation contributes to rapid adaptation and heritable trait variation, and it aims to establish causal links between DNA methylation, gene expression, and inherited traits across generations.

You will work in the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, within the Translational Plant Biology group, in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) and Prof. Koen Verhoeven’s research group. The research combines genome-wide hypomethylation approaches using CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies with an inducible SunTag-TET1cd epigenomic editing system to test candidate epialleles in a wild, non-model plant species.

This is a strong fit for candidates interested in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, plant sciences, plant biology, and genome editing. The post emphasizes experimental work on DNA methylation maintenance, transgenerational stability of epigenetic marks, and the development of transient (epi)genomic editing tools with potential relevance for clonally propagated crops.

Eligibility: an MSc in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, plant sciences, or a related field; experience with molecular biology techniques; strong communication and organization skills; and good written and spoken English. Helpful but optional experience includes CRISPR/Cas9, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, bioinformatics, plant phenotyping or microscopy, DNA methylation analysis, and plant tissue culture.

Funding: the position is funded for 18 months initially, with extension to four years after positive assessment. Salary starts at €3,204 gross per month and increases to €4,051 in the fourth year, plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other employment benefits.

Deadline: 17 September 2026.

How to apply: use the Utrecht University application portal and upload a motivation letter, CV, two references, and proof of your MSc degree or expected graduation date.

Funding details

PhD position for 18 months initially, with extension to a total of four years upon positive assessment after the first 18 months. Salary starts at €3,204 gross per month in year 1 and rises annually to €4,051 in year 4, based on full-time employment (salary scale P under the CAO NU). Includes 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

What's required

An MSc in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, plant sciences, or a related field is required. The candidate should have experience in molecular biology techniques, strong communication and organizational skills, and good written and spoken English. Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other genome-editing technologies, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, bioinformatics, plant phenotyping or microscopy, DNA methylation analysis (e.g. bisulfite sequencing), or plant tissue culture is welcome but not required.

How to apply

Apply via the Utrecht University 'Apply now' button. Submit a motivation letter, CV, names and contact details of at least two references, and a copy of your Master's certificate or proof of expected graduation date.

More information can be found here

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