Postdoctoral researcher in Plant-virus interactions

Are you a skilled researcher in Plant biology and intrigued by how plant viruses manipulate their host We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for an ambitious proteomics project on plant viruses!

At the University of Amsterdam we study how RNA viruses interact with host proteins to deploy the host machinery to their own advantage. Identification of interacting host proteins could inform new strategies for introduction of viral resistance in crops. Using recently developed methodology you will identify and characterize plant proteins that differentially interact with (viral)RNA in response to a viral infection and upon induction of plant immunity. This proteomics project will be executed in close collaboration with another Postdoc and with industry. You will be embedded in an interdisciplinary team that aims to provide breeding solutions for devastating plant diseases by studying the underpinning virulence mechanisms at the molecular level using state-of-the-art technologies.

• work with plants and viruses and to perform disease assays;
• employ an optimized proteomics method that uses cross-linking and affinity purification to determine the RNA-binding proteome dynamics upon infection of plant RNA viruses;
• analyze RNAseq and proteomics data and apply and implement advanced biochemistry molecular biology and cell biology methods;
• to use molecular tools to manipulate genes and gene expression in planta to functionally characterize the role of the identified proteins in susceptibility and/or resistance to viruses;
• to report and present your work progress on a regular basis to our industrial partners;
• to actively participate in scientific discussions in our research field and our university;
• to contribute as a (pro-)active team player to the organization of our laboratory.

You are an ambitious person a team player with an open character. You are enthusiastic and willing to become multidisciplinary with a keen eye on Plant virology and/or Plant-microbe interactions.

Next to this you have/are:

• A recent PhD degree in Plant biology with 1 or more publications as first author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal;
• preferentially skilled in proteomics plant biochemistry and big data (statistical) analyses including bioinformatics and scripting in Phyton R studio MaxQuant Persues or related;
• hands-on experience in and affinity with molecular biology (Gibson assembly Goldengate Gateway cloning strategies CRISPR-Cas strategies synthetic biology plant transformations);
• An appreciation to contribute to valorization efforts and to foster collaborations with academic and industry partners;
• An understanding and acceptance of the sensitivity of confidentiality in public-private collaborations;
• Fluency in English both written and spoken with proven in experience in writing scientific papers / grants.

Our selection will be based on your scientific track record your vision on this research project but most importantly your ambition skills and drive to foster your own (scientific) career.

A temporary contract for 30.4-38 hours a week (0.8-1.0 FTE) preferably starting on for the duration of 12 months. An extension for 2 years subsequently follows if we assess your performance positive.

The salary depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract will be 3.546 to 5.538 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement ofDutch Universitiesis applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development Take a lookhere.

TheFaculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 members of staff working in education research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works be it elementary particles the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

TheSwammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. SILS is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdams Faculty of Science (FNWI). With around 240 employees SILS carries out internationally high-quality life science research and provides education within various university programs. Research is also carried out in close cooperation with the medical biotech chemical flavor food & agricultural and high-tech industries and revolves around 4 main themes Cell & Systems biology Neurosciences Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

The mission and passion ofMolecular Plant Pathology is to unravel the molecular processes underlying plant immunity as well as plant susceptibility to infectious diseases. Our ambition is to publish on a regular basis in high impact Scientific journals while fostering the careers of our co-workers. We are dedicated to raising new generations of scientists and to providing a meaningful contribution towards sustainable agriculture having less impact on our environment. We study these aspects by using state-of-the-art molecular techniques in high-tech labs and in modern greenhouses. This research enables us to develop and explore novel concepts on plant-microbe interactions and permits implementation and creative use of novel technologies in the fields of -omics (digital) phenotyping and genetic alteration of plants and pathogens.

If you have any questions or require additional information please contact:

• Frank Takken Full Professor
• 31 (0)20 525 7795 or f.l.@

Application

If you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the red button. We accept applications until and including July 19th 2026.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;

• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details:national knowledge security guidelines)

We will invite potential candidates for interviews in July 2026.