Two PhD positions in Plant-Microbe Interactions and in NMR-based Structural Biology

Utrecht University invite applications for PhD positions in Plant-Microbe Interactions and in NMR-based Structural Biology. Together with a PhD student in Fungal Biology (who is already hired) the PhD candidates will work as a team within the project “MYCOAT; creating sustainable seed coatings” funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Each candidate will bring in expertise to develop sustainable seed coatings. Seeds are at the root of global food production. Their viability, germination and resistance to pathogens are key to feed the world. This becomes even more important with the growing world population requiring 70% more food in 2050. Seed coatings were initially developed to evenly distribute seeds on the field. Nowadays, they also contain active components that for instance reduce risk of infection by pathogens. Yet, seed coatings also pose a risk to the environment, for instance, by containing micro-plastics or by inducing anti-fungal resistance. This project aims to develop innovative biodegradable seed coatings making use of fungal mycelium materials. These materials are proposed to fulfill the main functions of seed coatings by acting as a binder and filler and by providing bioactive properties to increase crop performance. The design and properties of the optimum coatings will be investigated by the PhD student using NMR-based Structural Biology. The PhD student in Plant-microbe interactions is responsible for the research on the effect of the coating on plant viability, plant immunity and interaction with the microbiome.

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Two PhD positions in Plant-Microbe Interactions and in NMR-based Structural Biology