Postdoc Genetics and Breeding of crops for marginal lands

Your job

Are you interested in exploring the genetic potential of plant species to contribute to a Circular Bioeconomy? Do you enjoy the challenge of applying (evolutionary) genetics approaches to unravel carbon partitioning in the plant and how does that influence biomass quality? Are you a highly motivated researcher with interest in developing the plants for marginal lands? Then this vacancy may be of interest to you.

The climate change and growing world population urge the need to reduce the use of fossil resources and to develop a Circular Bioeconomy. Research in this field is covered by the Biobased economy group at Plant Breeding. Given the limited arable land available for the production of food other commodities, such as biobased products, could be produced on marginal land.

The postdoc in Plant genetics and Breeding will be working within a European funded project named MIDAS, aiming at developing tools to breed crops for marginal lands. The main responsibilities of the postdoc researcher will to conduct research in a multidisciplinary team, to develop tools for breeding and to be involved in the supervision of (PhD) students. Depending on the skills and wishes, this postdoc can be involved in the acquisition of grants and/or in teaching activities.

Your qualities

We are looking for a researcher with a background in genetics and genomics. The candidate should be able to apply to understand the mechanisms behind the content and quality of different plant components, and use that knowledge to develop new breeding tools. We prefer candidates with experience in (evolutionary) genetics and breeding.

The candidates should have most of the following qualifications:

• a PhD degree in a relevant field, e.g. genetics, plant breeding, computational biology or plant sciences;
• a good background in plant (evolutionary) genetics and breeding;
• a proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• a strong motivation to work flexibly and creatively in a cross-disciplinary environment;
• experience and interest in supervision of (PhD) students;
• good communication skills and the ability to interact constructively with colleagues;
• for this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

You will work here
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 genetic basis of traits which are relevant to achieve a sustainable agri- and horticulture. We conduct this research often in partnership with breeding companies, local, regional and state governments.

We offer you

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 year-end 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 € 3.378,- and € 5.331,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). Additionally, a contract for 0.8 FTE can be discussed. Initially we will offer you a temporary contract for the duration of one year. This position is for 1.5 years with opportunity to be extended upon satisfactory performance and provided there is budget available. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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. 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, dual career programs 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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr Luisa M. Trindade, Full Professor Bioresources Breeding and Genetics and Group leader Biobased Economy, luisa.trindade@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until 24^th March 2025. The first interviews will be held soon after the closing date.

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.

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, 7,600 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.