Are you an enthusiastic plant scientist who wants to investigate how root development contributes to plant resilience? Do you like to study molecular and biochemical pathways, using state of the art tools? Do you like to work in a team of scientists with different expertise? Then we are looking for you!

This PhD position is part the national program CropXR’s core research. The subproject “The role of root plasticity in resilience” will run under supervision of Prof dr Christa Testerink in Wageningen. You will be working in a team together with other experimental and computational plant scientists. In this PhD project, you will focus on key genes and molecular pathways predicted to steer developmental plasticity of Arabidopsis roots under drought. Using novel mathematical modelling, network inference approaches and existing knowledge we will identify networks downstream of drought perception and establish how these impinge on and are integrated with basal root development. We will test the contribution of these networks to root architectural plasticity under water deficit stress.
Besides carrying out the research project, you will contribute to teaching MSc and BSc students.

About CropXR
CropXR was launched in 2023 to contribute to improving agricultural production by making it less vulnerable to climate change. With a budget of 96 million euros for the next ten years, CropXR focuses on creating eXtra Resilient (XR), sustainable, and climate adaptive crops. By combining plant biology, simulation modelling, and artificial intelligence we aim to develop ‘smart breeding and cultivation’ methods. The institute is a joint venture of the universities of Amsterdam, Delft, Wageningen and Utrecht in partnership with Plantum, the Dutch plant breeding sector association. Learn more about CropXR at cropx.org.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the Laboratory of Plant Physiology chair group which is led by Prof. Christa Testerink. You will be member of the research team focusing on root responses to salinity and drought (rootsinsalt.com).

You have / You are:

• obtained an MSc degree with a specialization in Plant Science, Molecular Life Sciences or related topic;
• affinity and/or experience with interdisciplinary research;
• creative and you work in a structured and focused way;
• experience in (plant) molecular biology approaches (including protein biochemistry);
• experience with experimental research on roots and/or abiotic stress is an advantage;
• an enthusiastic team player and have good communication and English language skills;
• willing to contribute to teaching MSc and BSc students.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• 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 € 2.872 - per month rising to € 3.670,- 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 19th 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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

Wageningen University & Research

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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 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.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Christa Testerink, christa.testerink@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact psg.vacaturemeldingen@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. Please upload your latest CV and a motivation letter via the online portal.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including November 18. We will schedule the first online interviews on the 28/29th of November. The intended starting date of the position in 1 Jan , 2025 or the earliest possible for candidates with visa application issues.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.