Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Plant Biology at Purdue University

Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Plant Biology at Purdue University Purdue University - West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Position Title:

Ph.D. Graduate Assistantship in Plant Biology at Purdue University

Position Type:
Research Assistant

Application Review Begins:
Friday, July 10, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
Thursday, December 31, 2026

Department/Division:
Department of Botany and Plant Pathology

Field (e.g., systematics):
Plant Biology

City:
West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

General Information:
The laboratory of Prof. Yun Zhou in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Ph.D. student to join our research group. Our research aims to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying plant meristem development, stem cell homeostasis, and cell fate specification using the fern Ceratopteris richardii as a research model.

The Zhou laboratory offers a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment that integrates molecular genetics, live-cell imaging, quantitative image analysis, computational modeling, biochemistry, and functional genomics to address fundamental questions in plant developmental biology.

Recent publications include:

• Lai, D.H., Yang, X., Xie,
  
  C., Li, T., Yan,
  
  A., Liu, X., Zhou, Y. (2026). Dynamic auxin maxima regulate male-to-hermaphrodite conversion and de novo meristem formation in the fern Ceratopteris gametophytes. PLoS Biology 24: e3003592.
• Yang, X., Yan,
  
  A., Liu, X., Volkening,
  
  A., Zhou, Y. (2025). Single-cell-derived multicellular meristem:
  Insights into male-to-hermaphrodite conversion and de novo meristem formation in Ceratopteris. Development. (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..
  204411
• Geng, Y., Xie,
  
  C., Yan,
  
  A., Yang, X., Liu, X., Zhou, Y. (2024). A conserved GRAS-domain transcriptional regulator links meristem indeterminacy to sex determination in Ceratopteris gametophytes. Current Biology 34: 3454–3472.
• Geng, Y., Yan,
  
  A., Zhou, Y. (2022). Positional cues and cell division dynamics drive meristem development and archegonium formation in Ceratopteris gametophytes. Communications Biology 5: 650.

Funded Ph.D. positions are available for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027. Graduate research assistantships provide full financial support, including a tuition waiver, health insurance, and a competitive stipend.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Applicants with a B.S. or M.S. degree in biology, plant science, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, computational biology, or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.

We welcome students with interests in fern research from diverse perspectives, including evolutionary developmental biology, molecular genetics, cell signaling, live-cell imaging, quantitative biology, computational biology, transcriptional regulation, functional genomics, or related research areas.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying meristem development and cell fate specification in Ceratopteris richardii. Research projects combine molecular genetics, quantitative live-cell imaging, computational analysis, and functional genomics to understand how stem cells are specified, maintained, and reprogrammed during plant development.

Application Instructions:
To apply, please email Prof. Yun Zhou (zhouyun) with the following materials:

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A brief statement describing your research interests and career goals
• Academic transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the initial inquiry)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Prof. Zhou early to discuss research opportunities and the official Purdue University graduate application process.