As PhD student, you will evaluate candidate susceptibility genes for several diseases in cucumber and melon. For this purpose, you will make targeted mutations in these candidate genes and their promoters, using CRISPR-Cas9, and estimate effects of these mutations on disease resistance, and fitness of the plants. The aim is maximizing disease resistance, while minimalizing fitness costs. The project is financed by several breeding companies.

We are looking for a versatile team player with the following qualities:

• MSc in biology, plant sciences or related areas with a major in molecular plant breeding and phytopathology or equivalent experience.
• Excellence in molecular techniques, such as making constructs and transformation.
• Thorough knowledge about plant - pathogen interactions.
• High affinity with tissue culture work.
• Affinity with genetic research and statistical data analysis.
• A keen interest in fundamental and applied research.
• Has creative, innovative ideas and can initiate research independently.
• Accurate in performing research.
• Self-disciplined and pragmatic mind set.
• Effective networker with academic scientists of various disciplines.
• Excellent spoken and written communicative skills in English.

We offer a full-time PhD position for a period of 4 years at Wageningen University. Gross salary per month € 2.266 the first year up to € 2.897 the fourth year.

Wageningen University & Research

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is "To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life". Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.

With approximately 30 locations, 5,000 employees, and 10,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at thespecial career site.

Plant Breeding is a combined group of Wageningen University and Wageningen Research with 90 employees and around 90 students and guest scientists. The group conducts fundamental, strategic and applied research on breeding and genetics of various plant and mushroom species and is involved in academic education (BSc, MSc, PhD) in Plant Sciences. Research in Plant Breeding concentrates on the genetic and genomic basis of relevant traits, including durable disease resistance, which will contribute to feeding the world in the (near) future.