PhD position: Below-ground pathobiomes (NemEmerge III)

The Laboratory of Nematology at Wageningen University and Research is looking for a PhD researcher to be a part of an EU HORIZON EUROPE project titled “An integrated set of novel approaches to counter the emergence and proliferation of invasive and virulent soil-borne nematodes” (acronym: NemEmerge) (start: early 2024).

NemEmerge concentrates on two drivers of emerging diseases: global warming (pathogens proliferate in a poleward direction) and genetic selection (due to ample use of a small set host plant resistances). The project consortium comprises 19 partners from all over Europe that work together in ‘work packages’ that address different aspects of this project. The project allowed us to appoint three PhD’s: each will work on another work package, but together you will be a team of PhDs that contribute to the overall project goals.

Nematodes, also referred to as roundworms, are ubiquitous in soils. A small minority of the plant-parasitic nematodes seriously threatens food and feed production and needs to be controlled. NemEmerge concentrates on the two most impactful plant-pathogenic nematodes, namely root-knot and cyst nematodes. Chemical control of these nematodes is no longer a viable option, and durable alternatives have to be developed. Such solutions are knowledge-intensive, and as a PhD you will directly contribute to sustainable disease control by addressing urgent scientific questions in a European framework.

Although plant-pathogenic nematodes are able to infect plants by themselves, under natural conditions they act in association with other soil microbiota. Nematodes migrate in soil and their surface is covered with bacterial and fungal propagules. We hypothesize that this is not just a reflection of the soil microbiome but rather a nematode-specific selection of it. At least in part this “pathobiome” contributes to the infection success of cyst and root-knot nematodes by protecting them against nematode antagonists and by promoting their plant-parasitic capabilities. However, our knowledge about the nematode’s pathobiome - how it shapes and determines plant parasitism - is still in its infancy.

As a PhD you will investigate and compare the pathobiomes of the two most successful categories of plant-parasitic nematodes, cyst (Globodera and Heterodera spp.) and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) both under highly controlled and field conditions. Moreover, you will research the molecular mechanisms by which plant-parasitic nematodes select and manipulate soil microbiota and how this contributes to the parasitic success of these nematodes.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• design of experimental set ups that will allow the determination and comparison of pathobiomes among plant-parasitic nematodes;
• use of a bio-informatics workflow to analyse microbial and nematode sequencing data;
• use of molecular and biochemical techniques to identify and characterize interactions between plant-parasitic nematodes and their associated microbiomes;
• development of strategies to steer the pathobiome in directions that support plant defence responses and weakens nematode virulence.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Laboratory of Nematology, and members of the Nematology team, which is led by Prof. Geert Smant . You will be co-supervised by dr. Hans Helder and dr. Aska Goverse.

You are:

• an accurate and enthusiastic PhD candidate intrigued by complex below-ground biotic interactions, particularly molecular nematode-microbe interactions, and their role in disease suppression;
• a MSc degree holder in biology, or a related life sciences study with demonstrable affinity to molecular biology and biochemistry, bioinformatics, and the development of functional bioassays;
• willing to take on the role of supervising BSc and MSc students;
• pro-active and a constructive team player;
• someone who not only likes pioneering experiments, but also appreciates (complex) data analyses and interpretation (as demonstrated by, e.g., your MSc theses), as well as dissemination of results through active contributions to publications, conferences and project meetings.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised 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;
• 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 18th 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 helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling. For instance under the "30% rule", certain categories of international staff can receive tax exemption on approximately 30% of their gross salary.

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 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.

For more information about this position, please contact Hans Helder or Aska Goverse, UHD, by telephone: 06-13184155 or by e-mail hans.helder@wur.nl, aska.goverse@wur.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, by e-mail: vacaturemeldingen.psg@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 4th of December 2023. We anticipate to schedule the first job interviews on mid-December 2023.

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.