Vacancy
Postdoctoral researcher - In silico prediction of plant developmental transitions
Your job
We are looking for an experienced bioinformatics postdoc, who is both enthusiastic to develop models based on transcriptomic and genetic data, and able to guide the bioinformatics support at the Plant Physiology department.
In a Sectorplan-funded collaboration between six departments around the Theme ‘Evolution as a process of interactions between scales’, we focus on ‘Predicting transitions’ and hire three postdocs to work on different aspects of evolutionarily interesting transitions (see also other vacancies). Here, we advertise the joint project of the chair groups Plant Physiology and Biosystematics, focused on the prediction of developmental transitions in plants. We aim to elucidate the relationship between gene activity and developmental transitions such as those from heterotrophic to autotrophic growth and vegetative to reproductive growth. These transitions can either be reversible or irreversible, and occur when a certain threshold of gene/protein activity is achieved. In this project, existing transcriptome, genetic and physiological data will be used to generate models that can predict when such a transition takes place, and to get insight into how external factors can influence the timing of this transition.
In addition to this project, the postdoc will also guide the bioinformatics support at the department of Plant Physiology, advising/supporting/assisting researchers with their bioinformatics analyses. The division between the tasks will be 70/30 (project/support).
You will work here
You will work in two chair groups. The biosystematics group focuses on evolution and biodiversity. The group addresses fundamental questions about biodiversity and its origins and applies this knowledge to improve crops and ecosystems. The laboratory of Plant Physiology aims to contribute to the understanding of how plants function. The group is particularly interested in how plants respond to changes in their sometimes hostile environment. You will be located predominantly at the department of Plant Physiology.
Your qualities
You have a PhD degree in a relevant field, preferably on the edge of Bioinformatics and Plant Biology. You have affinity with mathematics/modelling and bioinformatics, but are also interested in explaining biological phenomena. Additionally, you are eager to use your bioinformatics skills to help colleagues.
Job profile:
- You are skilled in the analysis of high-throughput transcriptomic and genomic data.
- You have affinity with mathematics/modelling.
- You are enthusiastic to work on biological questions related to plant development and physiology.
- You are willing to supervise/guide PhDs and undergraduate students.
- You have good oral and written communication skills, and are fluent in English.
- You contribute to an open and inclusive atmosphere.
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 December bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
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 the Netherlands, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 18th 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.
Do you want more information?
For more information about the contents of this position, please contact Dr. Charlotte Gommers, charlotte.gommers@wur.nl (Plant Physiology) and/or Dr. Marian Bemer, marian.bemer@wur.nl (Biosystematics)
For more information about the procedure, please contact Mrs. Eline Degen, eline.degen@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. Applications via e-mail will not be considered.
This vacancy will be listed up to and including 26 May 2025. We will schedule the first job interviews end May/beginning of June.
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.