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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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PhD Position in Fungal Cell Biology and Nuclear Dynamics Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Cell Biology
Funding
The position is a full-time employment contract with a gross monthly salary of €3,204, increasing to a maximum of €4,051 in the fourth year. The initial contract is for one year and may be extended to four years subject to sufficient perspective, with the PhD dissertation concluding the employment. Benefits include holiday allowance, an end-of-year bonus, commuting contribution, pension scheme and other staff benefits.
Deadline
Nov 27, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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About this position
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is seeking a PhD candidate for the Nuclear Swarms project, an NWO Vidi-funded study led by Dr Vasilis Kokkoris within A-LIFE Systems Ecology.
The project investigates how nuclei are organised and behave inside the extensive filamentous networks of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These ecologically important fungi form partnerships with plants and support nutrient uptake, yet their continuous cytoplasm—shared by thousands of nuclei—remains poorly understood. The research will examine how nuclei move, divide and respond to their cellular environment, and whether their behaviour is coordinated collectively or occurs independently.
The PhD researcher will combine live-cell imaging with experimental, molecular and quantitative approaches. The work includes tracking nuclei over time, analysing their distribution and division, testing responses to changing cellular conditions, and identifying patterns in nuclear behaviour. The project uses fluorescence and live-cell microscopy, molecular and cell-biological methods, image analysis, programming and statistical approaches.
You will join an interdisciplinary research group focused on the biology and ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, working alongside PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and students. The research environment connects fungal biology, microscopy, molecular biology, quantitative research and systems ecology, with opportunities for collaboration within the university, across the Netherlands and internationally.
The project offers the opportunity to study fundamental questions in cell biology using a challenging non-model fungal system with broad ecological significance.
Funding details
The position is a full-time employment contract with a gross monthly salary of €3,204, increasing to a maximum of €4,051 in the fourth year. The initial contract is for one year and may be extended to four years subject to sufficient perspective, with the PhD dissertation concluding the employment. Benefits include holiday allowance, an end-of-year bonus, commuting contribution, pension scheme and other staff benefits.
What's required
Applicants need an MSc degree or equivalent in microbiology, molecular biology or a related field, with a strong interest in microscopy and data analysis. Experience with in vitro culturing of fungi is required. Experience with microscopy and/or genetic transformation is expected, with confocal microscopy preferred. Applicants should have knowledge of image analysis and programming using R/RStudio, Python or MATLAB; a strong interest in fungal biology, cell biology or nuclear organisation and behaviour; experimental laboratory research experience; willingness to work with a challenging non-model organism; good analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team; and good spoken and written English. Experience in bioinformatics, image processing, quantitative microscopy analysis, DNA or RNA analysis, PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridisation, DNA replication, cell division or intracellular dynamics is advantageous.
How to apply
Apply through the VU Amsterdam online vacancy portal; email applications are not accepted. Submit a motivation letter, CV, MSc diploma and transcript, and the names and contact details of two academic referees.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.