Would you like to participate in an exciting interdisciplinary research project to discover why and how did plants become woody, and how can this benefit mankind? Are you a plant (molecular) geneticist with interest in developing tools for breeding crops for a Circular Bioeconomy? Then this vacancy may be of interest to you.
In the framework of the NWO-XL project ‘Environmental and genetic drivers of wood and lignin formation in flowering plants’, the PhD candidate will collaborate with five other PhD candidates from Wageningen UR, Naturalis, University of Groningen and Leiden University. These are embedded in a unique multidisciplinary consortium bridging expertise in plant anatomy, evolution, development, physiology, genetics, molecular biology and lignin chemistry. The consortium will investigate different aspects of wood- and lignin formation in plants, including the gene regulatory network controlling the formation of wood/lignin, the role that this formation plays in drought tolerance and plant architecture, and the utilisation potential of lignin from plant stems for the production of biobased materials.
In this PhD project you will focus on the characterization of the genetic architecture of lignin composition and functionalities in tomato stems. For that modern genetic tools and microscopy will be used to identify the key factors determining the different patterns of lignin deposition in tomato stems and how these influence stem/plant architecture.
The research is embedded within the Biobased Economy group, chair of Plant Breeding, and the project will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Luisa M. Trindade.
We ask
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with the following skills:
- MSc in Plant Sciences or Biology, with preference for candidates with good background in genetics and physiology. Experience and/or interest in microcopy is preferable.
- An enthusiastic, problem solving person who likes to work in a multidisciplinary team
- Experience with molecular techniques and knowledge in genetics
- A team player that can also work independently
- Fulfil the PhD Student English language requirement.
- An interest in (co-)supervising under graduate students
- For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C2 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language.
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- study leave and partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team
The gross salary for the first year is € 2.541,- per month rising to € 3.247,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere. You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “ Best University ” in the Netherlands for the 17th consecutive time.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. Our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research’s International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.
More information
For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Dr Luisa M. Trindade, Full Professor Bioresources Breeding and Genetics and Group leader Biobased Economy, luisa.trindade@wur.nl.
Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 20 November 2022. Preferred starting date February of March 2023.
Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 students and over 150.000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research is a merged unit of Wageningen Research and Wageningen University with around 200 people including MSc and PhD students and guest workers. It is a highly international group with more than 30 nationalities, organized in ten research groups. We conduct fundamental, strategic and applied research and provide teaching at all educational (BSc, MSc and PhD) levels. Our research focusses on the dissemination of the genetic basis of traits which are relevant in order to achieve a sustainable agri- and horticulture. We conduct this research often together or in partnership with breeding companies, local, regional and state governments.