PhD student MiSeed

Your job

Are you an enthusiastic plant scientist who wants to study how the seed microbiome shapes seed performance, then we are looking for you!

This PhD project is part of the recently funded open technology project MiSeed, “The hidden potential of the seed microbiome: How does the seed microbiome shape seed performance and plant drought resilience?”. Plants grow in interaction with microbes in order to survive. These microbes can enter the next plant generation of the plant via the seed. The main research questions of this project are 1) to determine whether plant genetics and seed characteristics affect the recruitment of microbes, 2) to identity microbes that contribute to seed and plant performance under drought stress and 3) to understand the mechanisms underlying these beneficial plant-microbe interactions.

Overall, this research contributes to improving seed and plant performance in a changing environment. For this project we have two PhD positions open, one at the the Laboratory of Plant Physiology at Wageningen University and Research and the other at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). The project will be carried out using two model plants: tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and lettuce (Latuca sativa). Besides carrying out the research project, you will contribute to teaching and supervising MSc and BSc students.

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 Wageningen Seed Science Centre and be co-supervised by Prof dr Leónie Bentsink and dr Rumyana Karlova.

Your qualities

You have / You are:

• obtained an MSc degree with a specialization in Plant Science, Plant Biotechnology or related programs;
• experience in (plant) genetics, molecular biology approaches;
• affinity with plant-microbe interactions and/or plant physiology;
• experience with experimental research on seeds or the microbiome is an advantage;
• demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills;
• creative and you work in a structured and focused way;
• basic bioinformatic skills (e.g. basic command of R);
• 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.

We offer you

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;
• the option to accrue additional compensation / holiday hours by working more, up to 40 hours per week;
• 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.

Do you want more information?

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Leónie Bentsink, Personal Professor, leonie.bentsink@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 6th January 2025. We hope to schedule the first job interviews on the 24th of January, 2025.

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.