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Understanding and engineering the logic behind plant decisions

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Lab Team Working
The Translational Plant Biology Group

Current Open Positions

We're looking for passionate researchers to join our team working at the intersection of plant epigenetics and synthetic biology. Our lab offers a collaborative environment with access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies.

MSc Student Position in Plant Epigenetics and Synthetic Biology

Project:

Engineering epigenetic memory systems in plants

Details:

Start date: Flexible (Fall-2025)
Location: Hugo R. Kruyt building, Utrecht University

Project Description:

We are seeking a motivated MSc student to join our research team investigating how epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation can be engineered to create synthetic memory systems in plants. The project will involve:

  • Designing and testing synthetic DNA methylation-sensitive promoters
  • Characterizing epigenetic memory circuits in Arabidopsis
  • Developing new tools for targeted epigenome editing
  • Applying these systems to control agriculturally relevant traits

Core competencies:

  • Background in molecular biology, plant biology, genetics, or related field
  • Interest in epigenetics and synthetic biology
  • Basic laboratory skills (PCR, cloning, plant transformation is a plus)
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good communication skills in English

We Offer:

  • Hands-on training in cutting-edge epigenetics and synthetic biology techniques
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment
  • Collaborative and supportive research environment

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief statement of interest to j.gardiner@uu.nl with subject line "MSc Application - Epigenetic Memory".

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

MSc Student Position: Biotic Stress-Induced Changes in dTph1 Transposon Activity in Petunia W138

Project:

Investigating transposon dynamics under biotic stress using visual flower readouts

Details:

Start date: Flexible
Location: Hugo R. Kruyt building, Utrecht University

Project Description:

What if you could watch the genome reshaping itself in real time—just by looking at flowers? In Petunia hybrida W138, transposons leave visible red spots when they move, turning flowers into living readouts of genome dynamics. This project will use this system to explore how biotic stress, simulated through Salicylic Acid (SA) and Jasmonic Acid (JA) treatments, influences transposon activity.

The W138 cultivar carries the dTph1 transposon in the ANTHOCYANIN1 (AN1) gene, disrupting anthocyanin production, resulting in white flower petals. When dTph1 is excised, AN1 can be restored in that cell lineage, resulting in the generation of red-pigmented spots. This provides both a genetic and visual model to follow excision events under stress.

The project will involve:

  • Using image-based methods to automate counting of pigment spots on petals
  • Applying qPCR assays to quantify the proportion of genomic DNA with dTph1 insertion
  • Refining image analysis to account for spot size and flower size
  • Distinguishing between early and late excision events
  • Applying SA and JA treatments to study stress-induced transposon dynamics
Petunia W138 flowers showing red spots from transposon excision events
Petunia W138 flowers showing red spots from dTph1 transposon excision events

Visual Transposon System

This unique system allows researchers to literally see genome dynamics in action. Each red spot represents a transposon excision event, making it possible to quantify genetic activity through simple visual observation.

The beauty of this approach is that complex molecular events become visible to the naked eye, turning each flower into a living laboratory readout.

Core competencies:

  • Background in molecular biology, plant biology, genetics, or related field
  • Interest in transposon biology and plant stress responses
  • Basic laboratory skills (qPCR, plant cultivation, treatment applications)
  • Interest in image analysis and quantitative methods
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good communication skills in English

We Offer:

  • Training in cutting-edge transposon biology and plant stress research
  • Experience with both molecular and computational approaches
  • Access to the unique Petunia W138 visual transposon system
  • Collaborative research environment with international connections

How to Apply:

Please send your CV and a brief statement of interest to j.gardiner@uu.nl with subject line "Student Application - Transposon Dynamics".

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Other Opportunities

We are always interested in hearing from motivated students and researchers at all levels who share our passion for plant epigenetics and synthetic biology.

Potential Research Areas:

  • Epigenetic regulation of plant development
  • Synthetic epigenetic circuits
  • Targeted DNA methylation/demethylation tools
  • Epigenetic memory in crop plants

Interested?

If you're interested in joining our lab for a BSc/MSc thesis project, PhD, or postdoctoral research, please contact Dr. Jason Gardiner with your CV and research interests.