Technician: Stress resilience in plants

Do you want to participate in the research of the laboratory of Plant Physiology at Wageningen University & Research? Do you have experience with analytical chemistry and metabolite biochemistry, and do you have a passion for plant physiology? Are you an enthusiastic researcher looking for a challenging and dynamic work environment? Then we are looking for you!

At the Laboratory of Plant Physiology, we study the interactions between plants and their environment. We investigate plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought and salt stress. With state-of-the-art research facilities, we study mechanisms at the cellular, organismal and community level to understand how plants interact with their environment and to explore innovative solutions for sustainable crop protection.

This technician position is part of the recently funded open technology project, MiSeed, “The hidden potential of the seed microbiome: How does the seed microbiome shape seed performance and plant drought resilience?”. Plants grow in interaction with microbes in order to survive. These microbes can enter the next plant generation via the seed. Your role will involve technical assistance in 1) answering research questions that relate to the role that plant genetics and seed characteristics play in the recruitment of microbes and 2) performing metabolomic analyses, in particular plant hormone measurements, for several research projects. Besides carrying out the research project, you will contribute to teaching and supervising MSc and BSc students. We are looking for a technician with a strong background in plant physiology and metabolomics (analytical chemistry).

You will work here
The research is embedded within the Laboratory of Plant Physiology (https://www.wur.nl/en/research-results/chair-groups/plant-sciences/laboratory-of-plant-physiology.htm). You will be supervised by Dr. Rumyana Karlova and Prof. Leónie Bentsink.

For this project, we are looking for a highly motivated and skilled technician in the field of plant physiology and hormones (metabolomics) research with interested in multidisciplinary and challenging projects.

We ask for this 4-year position:
You have or are:

• You have obtained a Dutch HBO or equivalent degree, with a focus on plant physiology and metabolomics.
• You work in a structured and focused way, and you have good communication skills
• You are willing to contribute to the teaching of MSc and BSc students
• You have experience in taking responsibility for research project organisation and progress.
• Experience with liquid chromatographic techniques and mass spectrometry
• You are a creative and enthusiastic team player
• Contribute to an open and inclusive atmosphere a real team player who will collaborate with a team of scientists.
• Experience with seeds and plant phenotyping or the microbiome is an advantage
• Experience in analytical method development and validation, mass spectrometry, and operating liquid chromatographic techniques is an advantage
• Experience with lab management
• Good communication skills in English

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;
• 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 year-end 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 € 3.557,,- for a full-time working week of 38 hours, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale 8).

As for your contract, we initially offer a two-year contract that can be extended for two more years on good performance and with the possibility of a permanent position. Of course, we are happy to have a conversation with you if you have any questions about this.

Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "best university" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.

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.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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. 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.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is ‘To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life’.

We pursue this mission through a synergistic approach between Wageningen University and Wageningen Research Foundation (applied research). Our research focuses on questions within the domains of food, living environment, and society. With approximately 30 locations, 7,700 staff members, 2,500 PhD candidates, and over 13,000 students, Wageningen University & Research is among the world’s leading knowledge institutions in its domain. The integral approach to challenges and the collaboration across various disciplines form the core of the unique Wageningen approach.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR.

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

For more information about the position, please contact Rumyana Karlova, assistant professor, via email: Rumyana.karlova@wur.nl.

Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via Vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl.

Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

You can apply until November 10th, 2025.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.