PhD-researcher to study cell wall integrity signaling in plants, using tip-growing root hair cells as a model

Let’s shape the future – University of AntwerpThe is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than employees from different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time PhD-researcher to study cell wall integrity signaling in plants, using tip-growing root hair cells as a model. This exceptionally dynamic and elegant pathway is still poorly understood, yet it is crucial for plant development and its interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment.The selected candidate is expected to have excellent study results, a critical, curious and open mindset, an interest in deciphering the molecular workings of plant growth regulation and the willingness to write a research proposal for additional and competitive funding on this topic. The research will be executed at the Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology (IMPRES) research group of the University of Antwerp, under the supervision of . The IMPRES group is a highly dynamic research group with a strong thematic focus on understanding the regulation of plant growth and the plant’s response to changes in the environment. Our research combines cell biology, molecular biology, biotechnology and state-of-the-art live cell microscopy. The PhD candidate will be part of our research line which focusses on how plant cells dynamically regulate the composition and strength of their cell walls during growth. The cell wall needs to be flexible to allow for growth, but sufficiently strong to prevent cell rupture. Plants have evolved a mechanism to rapidly sense and fine-tune cell wall biomechanics to facilitate robust growth. Being a prime candidate for targeted breeding efforts, there is an urgent need to examine how the key receptor-like kinases (CrRLK1Ls), rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs) and leucine-rich repeat extensin (LRX) proteins of this pathway coordinate to fine-tune cell wall biomechanics at the cell’s growth zone. The PhD candidate will be tasked with characterizing the dynamic interplay between these components at the growing tip of Arabidopsis thaliana root hairs. This model cell type displays exceptionally rapid and oscillatory growth, which is accompanied by dynamic changes in the sensing and fine-tuning of the cell wall.Recent publications of the group on the regulatory mechanisms can be found here:PositionAmongst other approaches, the PhD candidate will be required:to design and perform phenotyping experiments to quantify different aspects of root hair growth, in a variety of transgenic and mutant Arabidopsis lines.to use advanced fluorescence confocal microscopy coupled to microfluidics to image and quantify the relative whereabouts and dynamics of key components of the cell wall integrity pathway, in different genetic background and different experimental conditions.to identify novel suppressor mutations from an EMS mutagenesized seed population.to perform downstream characterization of novel members of the cell wall integrity pathway by cloning and imaging transcriptional and translational reporter lines.to carry out a variety of wet-lab experiments using molecular (cell) biology and biotechnology approaches.to conceptualize novel experiments that could contribute to our understanding of the plant cell wall integrity pathway.to write scientific papers for publication in high-impact journals.to assist in practical courses, guiding internship/Erasmus studentsProfileYou preferably have experience with molecular biology and/or biotechnology, and experience or interest in using different kinds of microscopes (bright-field, fluorescence, confocal, spinning disc, live cell imaging).You preferably have experience with in vivo and in vitro growth of plantsYou have experience with statistical analyses.You possess excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.You are available to work full time, with high motivation, and you have good planning, communication, and organizational skills.You are able to work effectively both independently and in team, as part of a multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural group; you can manage conflicting demands and meet deadlines.What we offer Scientific development opportunities in an international cooperative, interdisciplinary research environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a dynamic, international and professional team.Extensive state-of-the-art microscopy equipment, plant growth and molecular biology infrastructure, experience with microfluidics coupled to (live cell) imaging of growing plant cells, availability of many transgenic lines and mutants.An open-door policy in which communication, collaboration and idea-sharing are key to our working ethos and the advancement of science.The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and to participate in workshops.A competitive salary for a period of initially 24 months.The planned start date is 1 November  or as soon as possible after that date.We will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview early October.