Photosynthesis is one of the most fundamental biological processes on Earth, using sunlight to produce sugars and ultimately, the food we eat. Although the modelling of photosynthesis has received much attention, most models currently include light harvesting in a simplified manner. For example, they do not include the effect of changes in light colour and intensity that leaves experience throughout a canopy on timescales ranging from sub-seconds to seasons. The question is: how do these changes affect photosynthetic light use efficiency?

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to answering this question and build on and improve current photosynthetic models. This is achieved using a combination of modelling and experimentation to incorporate the local light-spectrum that the chloroplast receives, considering how it is absorbed by the photosystems and how this energy is subsequently used to drive the fixation of CO2 into sugars. The model will be parametrized and experimentally validated by measuring the rates of electron transport, CO2 assimilation, and oxygen exchange at a range of timescales.

You are a person that likes to understand and unravel complex systems, with a fascination for photosynthesis and with experience in modelling and experimentation, preferably including techniques related to photosynthetic gas-exchange and spectroscopy.
You also:

• Have an MSc degree in plant sciences, biology, life sciences or equivalent
• Have a solid background in mathematics and modelling, applied to biological processes, such as photosynthesis
• Have experience with experimental techniques and analysis related to photosynthesis, as well as their analysis
• Have excellent command of the English language, both in writing and conversation.
• Enjoy working independently, but also embrace opportunities to collaborate, to discuss and interact with others within and outside your field or research.

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.

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 € 2.770 - per month rising to € 3.539,- 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 (48 months).

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 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.
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 and students coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, we can assist you with any additional advice and information about helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

Wageningen University & Research

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 this video to get an idea of our green campus!

You will work here
The position and research are embedded within the chair Crop Physiology at the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA, www.csa.wur.nl) and in close collaboration with the Laboratory of Biophysics (BIP). You will be co-supervised by Dr Steven Driever (CSA) and Dr Emilie Wientjes (BIP).

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.