PhD Position on Plant Cell Genetic Reprogramming Towards Callus Friability (COCO-AI Project) Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands

This PhD position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the sustainable supply of natural products through advanced plant cell genetic reprogramming. Embedded within the EU-Horizon awarded COCO-AI project, the research focuses on understanding and manipulating the friability of plant callus lines—a key property for efficient cell culture establishment. The project leverages both Arabidopsis as a model species and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) as a socially and economically important demonstrator species.

As a PhD student, you will be responsible for developing genetic toolkits to enhance reprogramming in challenging plant species, generating transcription factor induction and GFP reporter callus lines, and performing phenotyping and transcriptomics of callus and suspension cultures. You will also analyze data using bioinformatics tools, coordinate data exchange within the international COCO-AI consortium, and disseminate your findings through scientific publications, your PhD thesis, and broader societal outreach.

The research is embedded within the Cell and Developmental Biology chair at Wageningen University & Research, led by Professor Viola Willemsen. You will be supervised by Dr. Renze Heidstra and collaborate with a technician in the Stem Cell Specification and Regeneration team. The COCO-AI project is a collaborative effort involving three universities, four SMEs, and two research and technology organizations across seven countries. Its aim is to establish an AI-optimised plant cell culture platform for sustainable, circular, and digitally enabled production of high-value secondary metabolites.

By integrating multi-omics, imaging, and process datasets, the project will enable AI to accelerate callus line development, reduce suspension line development timelines, and consolidate results into standard operating procedures and a transferable AI agent applicable across species. Funding for this position is provided by the EU-Horizon Innovation Actions, covering salary and research expenses.

Applicants should have a strong background in plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, or related fields, with experience in bioinformatics, transcriptomics, and phenotyping considered advantageous. Proficiency in English and the ability to work collaboratively in an international team are required. The application process is managed via AcademicTransfer, where candidates should submit their CV, motivation letter, and relevant documents.

This position is ideal for candidates passionate about plant science, genetic engineering, and sustainable production technologies, offering the chance to work in a cutting-edge, international research environment.