Postdoc and PhD position in Control of Seed Germination and early seedling development
University of Geneva
Postdoctoral and PhD student position in Control of Seed Germination
Luis Lopez-Molina laboratory (University of Geneva, Switzerland)
We invite application for a postdoctoral position (3 years + possibility of extension) and a PhD studentposition (5 years) to investigate the signaling processes underlying the control of seed germination in the
model organism Arabidopsis thaliana.
Background:
Plants maintain their embryos in a metabolic inert and highly resistant state within the seed. The decision to germinate and develop into a seedling is an irreversible developmental transition and a critical step in the plant life cycle. This process is tightly regulated by epigenetic and signaling pathways that respond to environmental cues and involves dynamic interactions between the embryo and the surrounding endosperm, a
tissue unique to flowering plants.
Our lab investigates the molecular genetic pathways underlying seed germination, examining how the endosperm, embryo, and seed coat each contribute to this critical developmental transition. Please visit our
website for more information.
Candidate Profile:
We seek talented, creative and highly motivated researchers with a strong interest in signal transduction and plant developmental processes. A background in plant developmental genetics or epigenetics is an advantage. Excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English are required. The selected PhD candidate will be embedded in the PhD School of Life Sciences.
• Postdoc candidates must have demonstrated expertise in molecular biology, molecular genetics,
biochemistry, or imaging, and have published a first-author paper in a major international journal.
• PhD candidates should have a solid background in molecular biology or a related field.
Application Procedure: To apply, please send a single PDF file including CV with details of your research experience, a motivation letter explaining your interest in the position, copies of degrees and contact details of 2-3 referees. Send your application to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately until positions are filled. The intended start date is November 1, 2025, but is negotiable.
Environment: Geneva offers a safe, high quality of life and is often described as the world’s most compact metropolis, with a vibrant cosmopolitan and cultural scene. Our department provides a dynamic and creative scientific environment with access to state-of-the-art technologies.
5 publications related to possible projects (for more publications click here):
• Hyvärinen et al. (2025). Temperature-dependent polar lignification of a seed coat suberin layer promoting dormancy
in Arabidopsis thaliana. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 122(6).
• Piskurewicz et al. (2023). The Arabidopsis endosperm is a temperature-sensing tissue that implements seed
thermoinhibition through phyB. Nat Commun, 14(1):1202.
• De Giorgi et al (2021). The Arabidopsis mature endosperm promotes seedling cuticle formation via release of
sulfated peptides. Dev Cell, 56(22):3066-3081
• Iwasaki M et al (2019). Non-canonical RNA-directed DNA methylation participates in maternal and environmental
control of seed dormancy. Elife, 8:37434
• Piskurewicz et al. (2016). Dormancy-specific imprinting underlies maternal inheritance of seed dormancy in
Arabidopsis thaliana. Elife, 5:19573
• Lee et al. (2012). Spatially and genetically distinct control of seed germination by phytochromes A and B. Genes
Dev, 26(17):1984-96.