PhD in Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plants — Wageningen University

Key details

• Host institution: Wageningen University & Research
• Location: Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, Wageningen, Netherlands
• Application deadline: July 14, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to join an ERC-funded project, “Control of Cytoplasmic Inheritance in Plants,” at Wageningen University & Research. This research explores the long-standing mystery of maternal inheritance of plastid and mitochondrial genomes in plants, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms and ultimately manipulate inheritance patterns for applications in agriculture and plant breeding.

Project Background

While most DNA is inherited from both parents, plastid and mitochondrial genomes are passed exclusively through the maternal lineage. Despite being known for over a century, the molecular mechanisms behind this process remain largely unknown. Our group leverages recent breakthroughs in cytoplasmic genetics to investigate how maternal inheritance is established and why it occurs, with the goal of enabling biparental or paternal transmission of these genomes.

Your Tasks

• Investigate plastid and mitochondrial inheritance in Arabidopsis thaliana.
• Gain expertise in genetics, molecular biology, and microscopy techniques.
• Assist in supervising and mentoring Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
• Participate in workshops and conferences to present your work and develop as a researcher.

Your Work Environment

You will join the newly established Cytoplasmic Genetics Group within the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at Wageningen University & Research. As a founding member, you will collaborate closely with fellow PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and group leader Kin Pan Chung. The Plant Science Group at WUR offers an open, diverse, and inspiring environment for multidisciplinary research at the intersection of biology, chemistry, and physics, with extensive training and collaboration opportunities.

Requirements

• Enthusiasm for contributing to ERC-funded research on cytoplasmic inheritance.
• Interest in genetics, molecular biology, and microscopy.
• Willingness to assist in student supervision and participate in academic events.

For more details about our group, please visit our homepage and read our recent publications: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-022-01323-7 and https://www.nature.com/articles/s41477-026-02242-7