Phd Position At The Department Of Biology And Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Univer[...] Lazio

Phd Position At The Department Of Biology And Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Univer[...]
Roma
Lazio, Lazio

Department of Biology and biotechnologies "Charles Darwin"

Organisation/Company: Sapienza Department of Biology and biotechnologies "Charles Darwin"

Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: Italy

Application Deadline: 31 Mar 2025 - 00:00 (Europe/Rome)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer DescriptionTitle: Role and regulation of the plant TOR/SnRK1 pathways in the trade-off between growth and defense. We are looking for a creative, motivated, and enthusiastic PhD student to join the Plant Physiology group at the University of Rome Sapienza, to investigate how plants fine-tune their growth and development in response to stress. The project has two major aims: 1) using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, decipher the molecular mechanisms that control the shift from skotomorphogenesis (growth in darkness) to photomorphogenesis (light-dependent growth) in response to different environmental cues; 2) investigate how two key nutrient-sensing kinases - TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR) and SNF1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 1 (SnRK1) - interact with signaling pathways triggered by pathogen-associated signals and cell wall damage.

The project will help unravel how plants reprogram their development and balance growth- and defense-related responses depending on environmental conditions, with the goal of enhancing crop resilience to stress without compromising yields.

To reach this goal, a combination of approaches (cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, transcriptomics, biochemistry) will be adopted.

About the position: A 3-year PhD position (expected starting date: November 2025) is available in the research group of Prof. Simone Ferrari, at the Department of Biology and biotechnologies "Charles Darwin" of the University of Rome Sapienza (Rome, Italy).

More information about the group can be found here. The employment is full-time and limited to three years.

Financial support includes a personal monthly scholarship (for three years) and a personal budget for research, language courses, and mobility activities (for stages, participation to conferences, …).

In addition, research costs will be supported by the research funds of the Plant Physiology Group.

Information about the PhD programme is available in the PhD course website. Please be aware that admission to the PhD programme is subjected to a selection through an admission exam. Updated information about the admission exam procedure is expected to be available in May 2025, and can be found at the PhD course website in the upcoming section "Call for application (41° Cycle)".

Potential candidates for this position are required to contact Prof. Simone Ferrari (******) by e-mail before March 31st, 2025, including a CV and a motivation letter (single PDF file) and indicating, in the subject of the email: "PhD position candidate". Sapienza University and its Department of Biology and biotechnologies "Charles Darwin" values the qualities that an even gender distribution brings to the department, and therefore we particularly encourage women to apply for the position. Where to applyE-mail: *

RequirementsResearch Field: Biological sciences » Biology

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Qualifications: We are seeking a highly motivated student with a passion for molecular plant biology.

The candidate is expected to conduct independent research while contributing to broader scientific projects and to excel in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Specific Requirements: A Master's degree in plant biology, molecular biology, biotechnology, or a related field (must be awarded by October 31st, 2025). Proficiency in both written and spoken English. Hands-on experience in routine nucleic acid and protein analysis. Experience with microscopy. Experience with Arabidopsis thaliana genetic transformation. Strong organizational skills and experience in maintaining detailed and accurate experimental records. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

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