PhD position: Manipulating plastid and mitochondrial inheritance in plants

We are currently seeking a PhD candidate who is enthusiastic about contributing to the ERC-funded research: “Control of Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plants.”

The inheritance of genetic material (DNA) from parents to offspring is fundamental to the continuity of life. While most DNA is inherited from both parents, certain genomes are passed exclusively through the maternal lineage and are not transmitted by the father. This phenomenon, known as maternal inheritance, has fascinated scientists since it was first discovered more than a century ago.

Despite extensive research, two fundamental questions remain incompletely understood:

• Why does maternal inheritance occur?

• How is maternal inheritance established? 

Our group investigates the maternal inheritance of plastid and mitochondrial genomes in plants, with the goal of uncovering the mechanisms that govern this process. By gaining a deeper understanding of these mechanisms, we aim to manipulate the inheritance patterns and create plants capable of biparental or even paternal transmission of plastid and mitochondrial genomes.

If the idea of controlling cytoplasmic genetics excites you, we would be delighted to welcome you to our team.

Your tasks

In thisproject, you will:

• investigate plastid and mitochondrial inheritance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

• gain expertise in a broad range of techniques in genetics, molecular biology, and microscopy.

• assist in supervising and mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students.

• participate in workshops and conferences to present your work and further your development as a well-rounded researcher.

Our research

Besides the nucleus, plastids and mitochondria also contain genetic materials (known as cytoplasmic genomes) essential for key cellular processes including photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolism. Since these organelles cannot form de novo, they must be inherited from one generation to the next.

What makes this inheritance process unique? Unlike nuclear DNA, which comes from both parents, plastid and mitochondrial genomes are inherited exclusively from the mother. Despite being known for decades, the molecular mechanisms underlying maternal inheritance remain largely unknown.

Recent breakthroughs in cytoplasmic genetics have offered powerful new tools that now allow us to investigate this long-standing mystery. Leveraging these cutting-edge techniques, our research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms governing plastid and mitochondrial inheritance. Gaining insight into this fundamental biological process holds great potential for innovative applications in agriculture and plant breeding.

For more details about our group, please visit our homepage and read our recent publication: 

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-022-01323-7

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-026-02242-7

You will work here

You will join the newly established Cytoplasmic Genetics Group, part of the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at Wageningen University & Research. As one of the founding members of our group, you will work closely with fellow PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and the group leader Kin Pan Chung over the coming years.

Additionally, the Plant Science Group at WUR provides an open, diverse, and inspiring environment for multidisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics, offering extensive opportunities for training and collaborations.

• You hold an MSc degree in Plant Science, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

• You have experience in plant molecular biology approaches.

• Experience with Arabidopsis thaliana, including skills in crossing and tissue culture, is advantageous.

• Experience with confocal microscopy is a plus.

• You are creative and equipped with problem-solving skills.

• You are an enthusiastic team player with strong communication skills and proficiency in English.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. 

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. 

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Kin Pan Chung via email: kinpan.chung@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via email: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl

Ready to apply?

You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents:

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max. 2 pages).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 4 pages in total. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 14th July 2026. We hope to schedule the first interview round in late July (Format: online). A second interview round will be conducted in early August.

The intended starting date of the position is 1st September 2026.

Welcome, safe, and valued

Wageningen University & Research highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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