Research project description

The cellular dynamics of plant hormones are fundamental to all aspects of plant development and have likely played a major role in the evolution and emergence of novel plant forms and architectures. Despite major advances made in studying main organs such as roots, shoots, hypocotyls, and lateral organs such as leaves in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, hormone-regulated developmental processes remain underexplored in certain organs—particularly in floral lateral organs like petals. Notably, petal development is relatively robust to environmental fluctuations, making it an ideal system in which to investigate the role of hormone-driven endogenous developmental programmes. Additionally, recent discoveries show that targeted modulation of phytohormones (such as auxin, cytokinins and brassinosteroids) holds great potential for programming petal morphogenesis.

The project will pursue three aims: (1) To identify a suitable model organism from the Leguminosae family (Papillionoideae subfamily), featuring a complex, papilionaceous corolla that is amenable to genetic manipulation, for detailed investigation of cellular and tissue dynamics during petal shape determination and development; (2) To compare and elucidate how plant hormones coordinate developmental programs in petals with simple (paddle-like, as in Arabidopsis) versus complex morphologies using fluorescent hormone reporters; (3) To apply these findings to potentially reprogram petal development by finely modulating hormone dynamics at high spatial and temporal resolution.

This project aims to deliver a mechanistic understanding of how hormone dynamics are modulated across space and time, with the broader goal of elucidating how these dynamics drive the determination and evolution of novel organ forms. It can also potentially create opportunities to develop a multi-scale model for understanding hormone-regulated petal developmental processes (in autonomy or in collaboration with computational modellers depending on the background of the candidate).

The project will be supervised by a researcher with extensive experience in phytohormone-mediated regulation of development, including recent work on auxin role in patterning the bullseye of H.trionum petals. The recently-established host laboratory aims to integrate high-resolution imaging of hormone reporters and biosensors with genetic and biochemical tools to dissect cellular hormone dynamics during development. The project will involve generating new protocols to work with the identified organisms, alongside producing transgenic and mutant lines, working with existing lines expressing hormone reporters and sensors, and utilizing established mutants to uncover previously unexplored cellular and subcellular hormone patterns in vivo underpinning petal development.

Candidates should have solid foundations in molecular biology and confocal microscopy, along with the willingness and ability to learn and apply new techniques. Interest or experience in hormone biology, flower development, and non model species is particularly welcome. Additional expertise in developmental biology, molecular cloning, systems biology, image analysis, computational modeling, or mass spectrometry will be considered an advantage. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, solution-focused, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively. Strong interpersonal skills, precise record keeping, and excellent communication abilities (oral presentations, scientific writing, and outreach dispatches) are essential for successful project execution and dissemination of results.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have a PhD degree at the time of the deadline for applications (10th September 2025). Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered eligible to apply.

At the call deadline, the applicant must have a maximum of 8 years experience in research, from the date of the award of their PhD degree. Years of experience outside research and career breaks will not count towards the above maximum, nor will years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries who wish to reintegrate to Europe.

Mobility Rule: The applicant may be of any nationality (European Fellowships) or nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries (Global Fellowships) but must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy (for European Fellowships) or the host organisation for the outgoing phase (in case of Global Fellowship) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before 10th September 2025.

Application procedure

Expressions of interest must be sent by email to elena.salvi@unipi.it no later than 20th May 2025 and must consist of two pdf files: 

1. Complete and updated CV, clearly demonstrating all 3 eligibility requirements.
2. Motivation letter, maximum one page.