Are you a bioinformatician with an interest in spatial and single cell transcriptomics? Would you like to apply your knowledge to contribute to investigating gene expression and translational profiles in germinating seeds? Then we are looking for you.

In this project you will work together with a postdoc who generates Spatial and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing data of seeds at different stages during seed germination. Your role will be to leverage these cutting-edge techniques to map gene expression profiles in Arabidopsis seeds, providing high-resolution insights into the regulatory networks that control seed germination properties. More specifically the project will involve the characterization of spatial gene expression profiles using tomo-seq; mapping single cell transcriptomics to reveal the cellular heterogeneity; perform translational profiling at the cellular level, making use of 5Pseq (degradome sequencing). For all this we will ask you to develop and implement novel bioinformatics methodologies, which will allow the integration of the mentioned data sets.

You have strong problem-solving skills, are able to work independently and reliably, are proactive, and have the collaborative mindset essential for success in this multidisciplinary project.

You also possess:

• a PhD degree in bioinformatics, computational biology or a related field
• experience with single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics
• experience in plant and preferably seed biology
• a keen interest in developing and applying novel methodologies to integrate multi-omics data
• excellent organizational and writing skills

In our international working environment there is an increasing amount of communication in English. For this position it is about language level C1.

If you do not yet have the track-record required in the vacancy, but do have solid work experience, we would also like to invite you to apply.

You will work here
The position is shared between the Wageningen Seed Science Centre (WSSC) (https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/projects-and-programmes/wageningen-seed-science-centre-1.htm), led by Prof Leónie Bentsink and Bioinformatics chair group under supervision of Dr Harm Nijveen.

The WSSC is embedded at the Laboratory of Plant Physiology (https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/chair-groups/plant-sciences/laboratory-of-plant-physiology/research.htm).

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

• sabbatical leave, 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;
• 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.345,- and € 5.278,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance. / We offer you a temporary contract for the duration of one year. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. 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. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.

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 coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account 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. Leónie Bentsink, Personal Professor, leonie.bentsink@wur.nl OR Dr Harm Nijveen, researcher, harm.nijveen@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, corporate recruiter vacaturemeldingen.psg@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 01-01-2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in the week of January 13th.

Procedure
As part of our selection process, an assessment may be incorporated within the procedure

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.