PhD position in Genomic and genetic variation underlying temperature responses

Your job

Do you have a keen interest in genetics and the adaptational abilities of plants and like to involve the general public in your science? Are you skilled in applying cutting-edge genomics and phenomics tools and want to understand nature’s solutions to deal with a changing environment? Do you want to apply these skills in establishing snowdrops as a model for temperature responsiveness? We may have the perfect opportunity for you!

The Laboratory of Nematology at Wageningen University & Research is seeking a motivated and curiosity-driven PhD researcher to join the genomics team. You will be part of an interdisciplinary and collaborative team consisting of both experimentalists and bioinformaticians. Together with the Plant Stress Resilience group of Utrecht University, we recently obtained funding to investigate temperature responsiveness in Snowdrop (Galanthus spp.) and A. thaliana. In this project, we are looking for a PhD researcher to develop and apply genetic, genomic (e.g. Iso-Seq and RNAseq) and phenomics tools to model temperature dose-responsiveness in Snowdrops. A main aim will be to generate a reference transcriptome for this iconic species, as none exists yet. You will work together with a PhD researcher at Utrecht university (who will focus on A. thaliana) to develop, conduct and analyze experiments in the Netherlands Plant Eco-Phenotyping Center (NPEC). Early in the project you will set-up a citizen science project and do some field work to acquire a diversity panel of Snowdrop accessions that you will use throughout your project.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• Conducting transcriptomic analyses (Iso-Seq, RNAseq) and disclose natural genetic variation in iconic Snowdrops
• Obtaining and analysis of phenotypic data via NPEC
• Modelling of phenotypic and transcriptomic responses to temperature dose
• Conduct a citizen science approach to collect snowdrop varieties needed for the project          

You will work here

The research is embedded within the Laboratory of Nematology led by prof. Geert Smant. Your daily supervisor will be Dr. Mark Sterken, who has expertise on non-model species genetics and genomics. Work within the Wageningen team is supported by two technicians (for experimental work and bioinformatics) and within the group there are multiple PhD candidates. You will work closely together with the ‘temperature team’ of the Plant Stress Resilience group of Utrecht University, led by dr. Martijn van Zanten, where you will be hosted for the citizen science- and phenomics aspects of the project. Your research will be embedded in the Graduate school of Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS).

Your qualities

You are highly motivated to obtain, analyze and connect genomic, phenotypic and genetic datasets and like to work with real plants in a controlled and natural setting. You have an MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, or Bioinformatics and have conducted thesis research in a relevant direction. You enjoy dealing with analytic challenges and going beyond standard bioinformatic pipelines. You are social and outgoing and willing to setup and lead a public science project.

You also:

• possess a successfully completed MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, or Bioinformatics and have conducted thesis research in a relevant direction

• have prior experience with sequencing approaches and bioinformatics;

• have prior experience with plant cultivation

• the ability to work independently and within a team of both experimentalists and bioinformaticians at two universities;

• a very good level of written and oral English.

• You are interested in sharing your qualities by teaching and supervising thesis students.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer

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;
• 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 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 € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  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. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

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.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Mark Sterken, Associate professor, via +31638679616 or email: mark.sterken@wur.nl .
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl .

Ready 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. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply up to and including 1 July 2026. The first interviews are scheduled for 7 July 2026. A second round of interviews will take place on 13 and 14 July.

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.