Postdoctoral researcher Role of root exudate in microbiome recruitment

Introduction

The mission of the Plant Hormone Biology group is to understand the chemical communication of plants with other organisms in their environment. We study how plants produce and secrete signaling molecules, particularly belowground, and how this affects the behavior of other organisms in the soil. Plant roots house highly diverse microbial communities that have been shown to play a crucial role in the protection of plants against a range of stresses. Our research is aimed at harnessing the potential of these root microbes for improved stress resilience in crops for sustainable food production with reduced inputs, particularly of fertiliser.

For a project on the effect of nitrogen (deficiency) on the composition of the maize root exudate and the effect of this on microbiome recruitment and its functionality, we are looking for a highly qualified and enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our team.

What are you going to do?

You are expected to investigate the effect of nitrogen deficiency on the root exudate composition, using metabolomics, the consequences of this for microbiome recruitment, using metabarcoding, and the stress-protective effect this change causes by analysing the functions of the (changing) microbiome, using a range of approaches.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• study the effect of nitrogen deficiency on the plant root exudate metabolome using metabolomics;
• study the effect of nitrogen deficiency on the microbiome and its functions;
• study causal relationships between metabolic and microbiome changes;
• supervise a technician, and bachelor and master students.