Are you interested in exploring the genetic potential of plant species to contribute to a Circular Bioeconomy? Do you enjoy the challenge of applying (quantitative) genetics approaches to develop the crops of the future, where whole biomass is efficiently used ? Are you a highly motivated researcher with interest in developing resource efficient crops where components can be more efficiently extracted? Then this vacancy may be of interest to you.

Your position
As a postdoc researcher your main responsibilities will be to conduct research in multidisciplinary teams, to develop tools for breeding and to be involved in the supervision of (PhD) students. Depending on your skills and wishes, you can be involved in the acquisition of grants and/or in teaching activities.

The Research
The transition to a more plant-based protein diet entails the exploitation of new protein sources for food and feed. One potentially large resource of proteins, which is currently poorly exploited, are agricultural waste streams. Fractionation of proteins and other ingredients from plant biomass occurs via processes that often require harsh conditions. Novel protein sources, such as algae or leaves could become important protein sources but the efficiency with which protein can be extracted is lower than that of conventional protein crops. The reason for this lower efficiency is partly because the extraction methods have not been optimized for these new plant resources, but also because these crops, or parts of the crop, have not been optimized for protein extraction. In this project genetic and processing tools that enable efficient extraction of high-quality proteins from agricultural side streams, namely from sugar beet leaves will be developed. The postdoc in Genetics of plant proteins will work with chemists and pother plant geneticists to identify main bottlenecks in the extraction of proteins from sugar beet leaves.

You are a researcher with a background in genetics and genomics. You should be able to apply to understand the mechanisms behind the content and quality of different plant components, and use that knowledge to develop new breeding tools.
As a candidate you should have most of the following qualifications:

• a PhD degree in a relevant field, e.g. genetics, plant breeding, computational biology or plant sciences;
• a strong background in plant genetics and breeding;
• experience in statistical analysis of breeding trials data
• experience in quantitative approaches such us QTL mapping, GWAS
• a proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• a strong motivation to work flexibly and creatively in a cross-disciplinary environment;
• project management skills;
• good communication skills and the ability to interact constructively with colleagues;
• for this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized 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:

• sabbatical leave, study leave, and 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 of course receive a good salary. Depending on your experience, we offer a competitive gross salary of between € 3.413,- and € 4.670,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 10). This is a position for 3 years. You will receive a one year contract, which will be extended with an additional two years upon satisfactory performance. Additionally, a contract for 0.8 FTE can be discussed.

Wageningen University & Research encourages internal advancement opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. 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 17th 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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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, and other issues.

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, 7,200 employees (6,400 fte) and 13,200 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!

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