PhD Candidate in Integrated Modeling for Plant Life-History Traits

Do you enjoy using computational approaches to study biological problems? Are you interested in using a combination of machine learning and mechanistic modelling? We invite enthusiastic and dedicated candidates to join our cutting-edge research team as a PhD student to work on modelling plant life-history traits such as flowering time, fertility and seed germination. The position is part of the new, interdisciplinary research institute CropXR. The location where you will ordinarily carry out your duties is at the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences in Amsterdam. 

In this project, you will work towards unraveling the regulatory networks controlling reproduction-associated transitions under temperature and drought stress. We intend to design possible strategies towards optimal flowering and robust fruit and seed production under sub-optimal conditions. We will use the main model plant Arabidopsis, because of the wealth of existing information and availability of a multiscale model and mathematical modules for the individual processes. In four accompanying experimental PhD-projects, data will be obtained on the effects of temperature and drought at the transcriptome and phenotype level. 

Your task will be to develop novel methodology to integrate these datasets, using a combination of mechanistic models and machine learning. This will aid selection of signaling processes to be targeted towards improving plant yield under suboptimal conditions. As part of the larger CropXR consortium, you will also collaborate with additional PhD students working on machine learning and mechanistic modeling, and methodology for integrating these different types of modeling.

What are you going to do?

You will work on the following research objectives: 

Tasks and responsibilities:
•    complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
•    develop ODE-based models as well as supervised and unsupervised machine learning approaches,

     towards generating an integrated model for plant life-history traits;
•    make use of available experimental data and data newly obtained by our collaborators, in particular

     transcriptome sequencing;
•    closely collaborate with experimental researchers (PhD students working on the various traits) as well as with

     computational researchers (PhD students working on developing methodology for integrating mechanistic

     modeling and machine learning);
•    be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks; discuss your work

     with the group members and during CropXR meetings; incorporate feedback and give input to others;
•    take a leading role in writing manuscripts;
•    participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training program;
•    assist in teaching and supervise Bachelor and Master theses.

What do you have to offer?

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in modelling. You enjoy close collaboration with domain experts. You have a creative mind and look forward to work at the cutting-edge of computational technology. Finally, you are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team of computational researchers and plant scientists.

Your experience and profile
You have/are
•    a Master’s degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computational Science, Bioinformatics/Systems biology 

     or similar;
•    experience in using differential equations to model biological systems and interested in using machine learning;

     or experience in using machine learning on biological data and interested in using differential equations to

     model biological systems;
•    able to communicate with non-experts on computational issues;
•    professional command of English.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is July 1st, 2024. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 2.770 in the first year to € 3.539 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
•    232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
•    multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
•    a complete educational program for PhD students;
•    a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
•    the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
•    help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad. 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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. 

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 19 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences. 

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

With a budget of 96 million Euro over the next decade, CropXR focuses on creating eXtra Resilient (XR), sustainable, and climate-adaptive crops. By combining plant biology, simulation modelling, and artificial intelligence we aim to develop ‘smart breeding and cultivation’ methods to speed up breeding for complex resilience traits in different growing systems for several crops. This collaborative effort involves four universities, numerous companies, and encompasses scientific research, data collection and sharing, education, and practical applications in agriculture and plant breeding. 

Any questions?

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Job 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 button below. We accept applications until and including 1 May 2024.

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 ) 

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of May 2024. 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application. 

No agencies please.