Postdoc Position in Experimental & Computational Plant Biology

Faculty: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Biology Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 23 April 2026

Are you fascinated by gene regulatory networks and want to dissect how plants express the right genes at the right time and place? Do you want to be part of a European team working to resolve the regulatory interactions regulating suberin biosynthesis in different root cell types? And are you interested in combining gene expression analysis with developing new experimental methods, such as TurboCas? Then this Postdoc Position in the MYBstery project might be a great fit for you!

Your job

You will join the MYBstery project, which is a joint project between the labs of dr . Kaisa Kajala at Utrecht University (UU) and prof. Laura Ragni at the University of Freiburg (U-Fr), funded by a NWO-DFG WEAVE grant. The project aims to understand how a complex network of conserved MYB transcription factors is wired to regulate the deposition of cell wall polymer suberin across different tissues with different dynamics. Specifically, MYBstery aims to uncover the transcriptional (UU, this position) and post-translational (U-Fr, a PhD position) mechanisms that regulate suberin deposition in specialized root cells, which play a vital role in protecting plants from environmental stresses such as salinity. The project’s outcomes are expected to contribute understanding that can guide the development of crops with improved stress tolerance, offering sustainable solutions for agriculture in the face of climate change and resource scarcity.

You will work on a commercially important species chickpea as well as the model plant Arabidopsis. Your project will entail resolving spatiotemporal gene regulatory networks of suberin deposition, testing the predicted network interactions and candidate genes experimentally, and leading cutting-edge methods development (TurboCas) to identify further candidates and network interactions. You will collaborate closely with the MYBstery PhD (U-Fr) who will address complementary questions about post-translational regulation of MYBs. You will take part in regular lab visits for training and knowledge exchange between the two collaborating labs, and benefit from annual opportunities to attend conferences in the field.

In this position, you will:

• Generate bulk and single cell transcriptomics data from chickpea roots.
• Integrate a range of relevant transcriptomics datasets to infer spatiotemporal gene regulatory networks of suberin deposition.
• Test predicted network interactions between MYB transcription factors via dual-luciferase-based trans-activation assays.
• Develop TurboCas methodology for plant use,
• Test candidate genes and evolutionary conservation in planta via transgenic approaches.
• Conduct short research visits (up to 2 weeks) to our collaborating lab at the University of Freiburg in Germany to learn methods and perform joint experiments/analyses.
• Take a pro-active role in collaborating with members of the MYBstery team.
• Analyse and interpret datasets, and present and write up research findings to disseminate them through presentations at conferences and peer-reviewed scientific articles.
• Supervise MSc and BSc students interested in MYBstery research.

The position will be based in a dynamic and collaborative research environment working under the supervision of Dr. Kaisa Kajala (UU) and Prof. Laura Ragni (U-Fr). The preferred start date is 1st September 2026.

Your qualities

We are looking for a curious, driven and passionate new colleague who meets the following criteria:

• PhD degree in plant biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetics or a related field.
• Strong bioinformatics skills, preferably in transcriptomic analyses and network inference.
• Expertise in molecular biology and/or biochemistry, preferably with plants.
• Affinity for developing and troubleshooting novel protocols.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Well-developed organisational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.

Our offer

• a position for one year, with an extension of two additional years upon positive evaluation;
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development , various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities . You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on and discover how you can become part of our community.

You will join the MYBstery project, which is a joint project between the labs of dr . Kaisa Kajala at Utrecht University and prof. Laura Ragni at the University of Freiburg. At Utrecht University, you will be part of the vibrant Experimental & Computational Plant Development group with multiple root barrier research projects, complementary expertise, and a collegial atmosphere. We are part of the Institute of Environmental Biology within the Department of Biology . The department coordinates the teaching of the Bachelor’s programme in Biology, as well as Master’s programmes and PhD courses that are offered through the Graduate School of Life Sciences.

More information

For more information, please contact please contact Dr. Kaisa Kajala at k.kajalauu.nl

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitmentuu.nl .

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation (max 1 page);
• your Curriculum vitae (max 2 page), including the names and email addresses of at least three references;
• a copy of your PhD certificate, or a letter from your university stating when your defence will take place.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.

Some connections are fundamental - Be one of them
#FundamentalConnection

The application deadline is 23 April 2026.