PhD: Unravelling the anaerobic electroactive physiology and ecology of yeast

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a cutting-edge research project starting in April 2026 to investigate the anaerobic electroactive physiology, and related ecological interactions, in yeast. This project is part of a Dutch research council (NWO) funded M1 project, and will be conducted at the Laboratory of Microbiology at Wageningen University.

Extracellular electron transfer is a trait well-established in anaerobic metal-reducing bacteria, enabling them to respire anoxically with metals, grow in bio-electrochemical systems, and playing a role in microbial community interactions. Several microbial eukaryotes have shown electroactive traits as well, but their physiological function and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Insight in anaerobic eukaryotic electroactive metabolism can fundamentally transform our understanding of their physiological capabilities, their ecological role, and unveil their potential applications.

Aim and approach
The core aim of this project is to gain mechanistic insight into the electroactive metabolism of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae under anaerobic conditions. By combining bio-electrochemical experiments, with omics and genetic engineering approaches, you will unravel the mechanisms that underly extracellular electron transfer in yeast, and assess its physiological impact. Subsequently, you will establish yeast in synthetic co-cultures with anaerobic bacteria, assessing the role of electroactive metabolism in cross feeding, and gaining insight in currently poorly explored anaerobic eukaryote-prokaryote interactions. You will work at the exciting interface of Microbial Physiology, Systems Biology, and Biotechnology, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of how fundamental biological processes shape natural ecosystems, and enable novel biotechnological applications.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform bio-electrochemical cultivations with yeast (S. cerevisiae) to study its electroactive physiology in various conditions.
• Design and conduct syntheticco-culture experiments with yeast and anaerobic prokaryotes, and study their (cross feeding) interactions.
• Apply omics-based and genetic engineering approaches to investigate mechanisms underlying bio electrochemical growth, and explore interactions in the established co-cultures.
• Disseminate research findings through publications, conference presentations, and research meetings.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of students.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Microbiology, where you will join the Microbial Physiology team under supervision of Assistant professor, Dr. Martijn Diender and co-supervision of Prof. Dr. Diana. Z. Sousa.

You are a highly motivated individual with a genuine passion for fundamental and applied microbiology research. You are curiosity driven, and have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You are eager to learn new skills to combine different microbiological disciplines, and thrive in an independent as well as an collaborative international research environment.

You also possess:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or related field
• Strong knowledge of microbial physiology and relevant techniques (e.g. ~omics, analytical chemistry)
• Affinity with the technical and biological side of microbial cultivation
• Experience related to either of the following are considered an advantage: Bioelectrochemistry, anaerobic microbiology, yeast biology.
• Ability to manage time effectively, set goals, and achieve research milestones.

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;
• 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 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 € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,- 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.

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.

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.

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.