Job Description
This position is part of the Crop Biotechnology and Engineering graduate programme, a joint programme of Maastricht University and Radboud University, which aims to develop solutions for more sustainable and productive agriculture and horticulture. With this project, we aim to identify the factors that increase the yield of peas in order to make local cultivation of this crop a more sustainable alternative to importing soy-based protein.

The research will focus on the observation that the offspring of genetically different parents often have better yield and quality traits than either parent itself. One aim of the research is to understand the genetics that regulate these traits so that they can be used in traditional line breeding. A second aim is to explore the possibilities and assess the value of producing hybrid pea seed at large-scale.

As a PhD you will:

• Carry out independent research, supported by your supervisors at Maastricht University and Radboud University.
• Communicate your results to stakeholders such as breeding companies
• Write publications based on your scientific work, culminating in a doctoral thesis.

Specifically, you will work at the interface of plant physiology, plant genetics, molecular biology and bioinformatics. You will phenotype plants (characterise heterosis), map QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci), identify causal genes and investigate gene function by generating mutations and analysing mutants.

Where are you going to work?
The research is embedded in the laboratory of the Plant Functional Genomics group led by Prof Dr Wim Vriezen and you will work with specialists in phenotyping, bioinformatics and gene editing. The research group is part of the Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) of the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Maastricht (UM), located at Campus Greenport Venlo.
This research is carried out in collaboration with Prof Dr Charles Underwood and Prof Dr Ivo Rieu of the Radboud Institute for Biological and Environmental Sciences
(RIBES). or the sake of clarity, the location of the study is the BFFI in Venlo.

Requirements
You are a scientifically curious person who wants to understand how differences in plants are regulated by the genome. You have "green fingers" and enjoy growing plants in a greenhouse, managing plant growth and closely monitoring phenotypes.

• You may already be in a PhD program, but you cannot be a PhD holder.
• You must have less than 4 years of research experience, i.e., you should be an early-stage researcher.
• Tou should have a high-level knowledge of the English language.

Furthermore, the position-related requirements are:

• An MSc degree in plant physiology, plant genetics, plant molecular biology or a plant science related discipline with an affinity for bioinformatics.
• Enrolment as a doctoral student at UM as soon as possible.
• Affinity or experience with molecular analyses (wet lab work).
• A hands-on attitude for phenotyping plants for own research and help with maintenance (greenhouse work).

What we offer
As a PhD Candidate at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located at the Brightlands Campus Greenport Venlo-Maastricht in the largest agri- and horticulture area in Western-Europe. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD Candidate, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2872,00 and €3670,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Science and Engineering
At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Wim Vriezen, Professor Plant Functional Genomics at wim.vriezen@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate? Apply now, no later than 13 October, for this position.

Please upload your CV and motivation letter.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.