Potato is amongst the most important food crops in the world, and it is of great importance to society. Given its high yield potential, high nutritional value and short cycle potato can be an important element in a sustainable food production strategy in both high- and low-income countries. Climate change is likely to have a strong impact on potato productivity, not only because the overall climatic conditions change but also because extreme events, such as floods, droughts and heat waves and their combinations, are likely to occur more frequently. The often non-linear effects and tipping points associated with these events and how these can be mitigated using combinations of resilient cultivars and adequate climate smart crop management are still poorly understood. This project is about understanding the effects of extreme weather events on potato development and on the yield and quality of the tubers. These effects can be viewed in relation to soil quality management and its implications for crop climate resistance and nutrient-use efficiency. To this end, we will use a combination of designated experiments, and innovative modelling tools. These models will then be used to explore the production and quality of potato tubers under future climate change scenarios in case studies for areas with contrasting climate challenges.

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with the following qualifications:

• An MSc degree in a relevant field, including: crop sciences, ecology, agronomy, plant science or related field.
• Clear affinity and experience with experimental and quantitative modelling techniques.
• Affinity to collaborate with private sector and an interest in exploring practical/business applications of the science.
• Good oral and written communication in English. This position requires an excellent English language proficiency (a mininum of CEFR C1 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.
• Good communication skills.

In principle this is a 4-year PhD position. We offer you a temporary contract for 1 year which will be extended with another three years if you perform well.
Gross salary per month: from € 2395,- in the first year- up to € 3061,- in year 4 based on full time employment. A part time employment is also possible. The position starts ultimately 1 November 2020.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.
We offer a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

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, 6,000 employees, and 12,000 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.

Equal opportunities employer
We are an employer that offers equal opportunities. We are happy to receive applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, gender, functional impairment, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive working environment makes us a more relevant, competitive and resilient organization. Click here for more information about working at WUR with a functional impairment.

The successful applicant will be based at the Centre for Crop Systems Analysis (CSA) and co-supervised by scientists from CSA and from the Plant Production Systems Group (PPS) (both Wageningen University). The project is funded by Mc Cain Foods as part of a programme of sponsoring research and education in sustainable crop production at Wageningen University.
The mission of CSA is to contribute to the development of high quality plant production in sustainable agro-ecosystems through research and teaching. The emphasis is on improvement and innovation of plant production at various levels of integration; from genotypes to cropping systems. The mission of PPS is to integrate biological knowledge to analyse and design sustainable production systems for crops (including integration with livestock), focused on resource use efficiency and equitable management of natural resources. The two groups are located adjacent to each other and share many facilities.