Membrane Trafficking and Development of Plants
Exploring Plant-Environment Interactions and Root Behavior
After completing his studies in Taiwan, Wei pursued his PhD at the University of Bonn in Germany, focusing on synaptotagmin 1 (SYT1) and VAP27-1 at ER-PM contact sites in Arabidopsis. He returned to Taiwan for his first postdoc at Academia Sinica in Paul Verslues' lab, where he investigated drought signaling of various cytoskeleton- and vesicle-associated proteins. Wei then moved to Belgium to join Jenny Russinova at the VIB, where he built the protein interactome of adaptor protein complexes involved in endocytosis. Later, he joined Marco Trujillo's team at RWTH Aachen in Germany, developing strategies for targeted protein degradation (TPD) in plants. In 2024, Wei became an assistant professor at NTU, leading research on plant root behavior, stress responses and intracellular trafficking.
Kai-Chun Peng obtained his Ph.D. from the Institute of Plant Biology at National Taiwan University, where he focused on studying the interaction between phyB-mediated photophysiology and FIN219-mediated defense responses in Hsieh Hsu-Liang's laboratory. Currently, in Wei Siao‘s group, his research is focused on intracellular membrane trafficking. By tracking the molecules' migration between different organelles and analyzing their distribution on membranes, he investigates how membrane molecule dynamics influence root morphology development and mechanosensing in plants.
Tze-Ching Chan obtained his Master’s degree from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at National Taiwan University. During the Master’s program, he analyzed RNA-seq data from two cabbage cultivars with different flooding tolerances to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with flooding tolerance in cabbage. He also established a transient gene expression system using cabbage protoplasts under hypoxia-mimicking conditions to search for marker genes related to flooding tolerance. After graduation, he joined Dr. Ho-Ming Chen’s laboratory at Academia Sinica as a research assistant for two years, where he participated in studies on nonsense-mediated decay as well as bioinformatics research. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Dr. Wei Siao’s laboratory, focusing on the relationship between retromer proteins and endocytosis in plant cells, and investigating how phosphorylation of plant plasma membrane proteins is recognized and subsequently leads to endocytosis, thereby influencing plant physiological processes.
Pei-Shan Shen obtained a master's degree in the Department of Biological Sciences at National Sun Yat-sen University. In the past, her research focused on the behavior of wild animals. After graduation, she founded "Kids of Forest Studio," dedicated to exploring the wonders of nature with preschool children and their families. Currently, she is also part of Wei Siao's research team, mainly assisting with administrative, financial, and other general management tasks.
Hsiang Lin graduated from the Department of Life Science at National Taiwan University. As an undergraduate, he conducted research on molecular biology in cyanobacteria in Professor Ming-Yang Ho's lab. Driven by his interest in plant cell biology, he joined Siao's lab for his master's studies to investigate the roles of various molecules involved in plant endocytosis and their regulation of plant growth and development.
Tzu-Chen Yang graduated from Department of Life Sciences, National Cheng Kung University. As an undergraduate in Dr. Hong-Hwa Chen’s lab, she studied the mechanism of PeMYBx for anthocyanin accumulation in the purple region of harlequin Phalaenopsis flowers. She joined the Siao lab for her master's studies to investigate how plant cells regulate root development, hydrotropism, mechanosensing and stress responses through the ER-PM contact sites, membrane vesicle trafficking and endocytosis.
Ken Chen Graduated from the Bio-Tech department of National Chiao Tung University. During university, he joined Professor Yu Chung-Su’s Lab and carried out research into producing bi-functional antibody drug using E.coli. Due to his interest in plant cell endocytosis, he joined Professor Wei Siao’s lab, hoping to dive more deeply into the topic of plant endocytosis mechanisms and how different signal molecules can regulate plant growth and development.
Shuo-Yu Liang is a bachelor student in the Department of Agronomy at National Taiwan University. Driven by a deep curiosity about the applications of molecular biotechnology, he joined Wei Siao’s lab for research training. Through hands-on experiments and research discussions, he has gained an in-depth understanding of molecular mechanisms in plant cells and has further explored how these technologies and insights can be applied to the improvement and cultivation of agricultural crops.
Positions for PhD student in plant cell biology
Position Description
We are seeking one PhD student to join our team in the Institute of Plant Biology at National Taiwan University in Taipei. This position offers an excellent opportunity for candidates to expand their skill set in a multidisciplinary lab utilizing cutting-edge technologies in protein biochemistry and cell biology. It also provides excellent career development, with mentoring support and ample resources.
The selected candidates will be responsible for conducting research, writing research papers, collaborating with faculty members, and participating in academic conferences. The PhD student will also attend lectures and seminars. Research topics include studying adaptor proteins for clathrin-mediated endocytosis and plant root tropisms, such as hydrotropism, phototropism, and touch responses, regulated by vesicle trafficking and other endomembrane transport systems.
Qualifications
Research skills and ability to conduct independent research
Proficiency in written and oral communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty members and colleagues
Self-motivation and dedication to academic excellence
Degrees in a relevant field, such as biology, medical or bioinformatic.
Application
Please send your application including, cover letter detailing your motivation for applying, CV, copy of M.Sc. certificate, name and address of three referees in a single file to Wei Siao (weisiao@ntu.edu.tw). For PhD admission and scholarship information, please refer to https://admissions.ntu.edu.tw/
Positions for Master and Bachelor student in plant cell biology
Master students interested in studying plant vesicle trafficking, endocytosis and root tropisms are encouraged to apply. Please feel free to contact me for further discussion. Undergraduate students interested in internships, special topics, summer research, or part-time research assistance are invited to reach out to discuss potential projects.
Application
For Taiwanese students, please feel free to contact me directly (weisiao@ntu.edu.tw).
For international students, please refer to https://admissions.ntu.edu.tw/