Are you looking for a PhD position and interested in genetic regulation in cauliflower? Do you want to combine data collection in the field with computational data analysis to investigate a complex trait? Then this PhD vacancy may be of interest to you.

Cauliflower is an important vegetable that can grow in various climatic regions. However, it is sensitive to high ambient temperatures during development, which might result in delayed curd induction and poor curd quality. Some cauliflower accessions are more sensitive than others. The genetic basis underlying temperature tolerance is not well understood yet. In this project, we aim to optimize field phenotyping for the timing of curd initiation and curd architecture under various temperature conditions and to perform genomic and transcriptomic analysis to identify associated genomic regions and genes. This will ultimately contribute to the breeding of climate-proof cauliflowers.

As a PhD student you will work on this complex trait, by:

• performing independent research, supported by your supervisors;
• combine experimental fieldwork with bioinformatics to collect and analyze data;
• writing publications on your scientific work, culminating in a PhD thesis.

In particular, you will collect genomic, transcriptomic and phenotypic data from several large field experiments with 100-200 cauliflower genotypes. You will perform genome-wide association studies and transcriptomics to identify associated genomic regions and genes and investigate these further using state-of-the-art pangenomic tools.

You will work here
This is a position in the team of Guusje Bonnema at the Laboratory of Plant Breeding (http://www.pbr.wur.nl/), co-supervised by Sandra Smit from the Bioinformatics Group (http://www.bif.wur.nl/) and Richard Immink from Bioscience (Wageningen Plant Research). To fully benefit from the surrounding expertise, the PhD student will divide its time between Plant Breeding and Bioinformatics. Plant Breeding is a merged unit of Wageningen Research and Wageningen University which conducts both fundamental and strategic research and teaching at BSc, MSc and PhD level. They are organized in research groups that, in collaboration, work on solutions to solve current challenges in agriculture related to global warming, loss of biodiversity and a growing world population. The Bioinformatics Group focuses on fundamental and applied bioinformatics research in the green life sciences. In particular, they develop and apply novel computational methods for the analysis and integration of –omics data. There are many collaborations with (plant) researchers studying the (molecular) evolution of complex traits.

Your qualities
You are driven to unravel complex traits in plants by combining your expertise in plant breeding with your computational skills. You are also an enthusiastic team player, with well-developed communication and collaboration skills.

You also possess:

• a successfully completed MSc degree in plant sciences, plant biotechnology, bioinformatics, or a related discipline;
• knowledge of plant breeding and genetics;
• experience in the analysis of (gen)omics data using command-line tools;
• a demonstrable proficiency in programming (in R and Python);
• perseverance in problem solving;
• good writing and oral communication skills in English.
• 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:

• 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.

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 19th 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 for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, 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.

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 the video below 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.

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Guusje Bonnema, by phone +31 317 484028 or e-mail guusje.bonnema@wur.nl, or dr. Sandra Smit, by e-email sandra.smit@wur.nl.

For more information about the procedure, please contact Dax Teunissen, corporate recruiter +31 317 487820, dax.teunissen@wur.nl).

Do you want 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.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including May 13, 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews in the week of May 27.

Equal opportunities
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) employs a large number of people with very different backgrounds and qualities, who inspire and motivate each other. We want every talent to feel at home in our organisation and be offered the same career opportunities. We therefore especially welcome applications from people who are underrepresented at WUR. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.