PhD Position: The Cellular Basis of Plant Regeneration Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University focuses on the cellular basis of plant regeneration, offering an opportunity to contribute to fundamental research in plant biology with direct relevance to crop innovation. The project investigates how plants regenerate from single cells or damaged tissues, a process requiring extensive changes in cell programming and patterning. Current tissue culture methods for hormone-induced regeneration are often limited and unpredictable, with only a few cells successfully switching to regeneration and forming organized cell patterns. The research will combine studies on cell polarity, cell division, and plant hormones to understand how cellular patterns and signals enable specific cells to regenerate.

As a PhD candidate, you will use tomato as the main model species, supplemented by work in Arabidopsis thaliana. The project employs molecular techniques, cell biology, tissue culture, and advanced imaging to study cellular processes during regeneration. You will also assist in teaching the new Crop Biotechnology and Engineering (CBE) MSc programme, supervising tutorials or assisting during practicals, with a teaching load of up to 10%.

The Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences (RIBES) is dedicated to world-leading research on how life, from cell to ecosystem, is affected by the environment and vice versa. The department of Plant & Animal Biology works on plant development, biotechnology, heat stress in reproduction, mathematical modelling, regulatory mechanisms, and single-cell and biomechanical studies. The crop biotechnology research line focuses on plant genome engineering, meiosis, reproduction, crop genomics, and crop physiology, with strong links to the Brightlands Campus Greenport in Venlo.

Radboud University’s Faculty of Science is known for groundbreaking research and excellent education, addressing major societal and scientific challenges. The faculty has a strong international character and offers a welcoming environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in biology, plant biology, or a related field, with a strong interest in plant developmental biology, cell biology, and regeneration. Hands-on experience with molecular and experimental plant biology is essential. Experience with advanced microscopy, molecular biology techniques, plant tissue culture, and image analysis is desirable. Interest in developing teaching skills is preferred.

The position offers a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) for 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The starting salary is €3,059 gross per month, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, with an 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, extra days off, flexible working hours, sports/cultural discounts, pension plan, and training/development schemes.

Applications must be submitted online via the provided link, addressed to Maritza van Dop. The application form will specify required documents. The deadline is 29 May 2026, with interviews starting on 22 June 2026. The preferred start date is 1 September 2026.