Your job
Are you an enthusiastic researcher that likes fundamental research on the physiology of plants grown under fully controlled conditions? Then we may be looking for you!
The chair group Horticulture and Product Physiology is looking for a researcher to join their team in investigating root-to-shoot signaling in vertical farming. This research project is part of the SKY HIGH consortium.
SKY HIGH: A NWO-Perspectief Research Programme is an inter-disciplinary consortium of researchers and companies that investigates many aspects of vertical farming from plant physiological research to systems modelling. Within the vertical farming research teams of HPP, this project focuses on root-to-shoot signaling, specifically the effect of root penetration resistance on shoot elongation.
Plants respond to mechanical perturbations by modifying their morphology, a process called thigmomorphogenesis. Thigmomorphogenesis can occur at the location of perturbation, but within minutes a sudden drop in elongation growth can also be observed far away from the perturbed area. This rapid, long-distance communication within plants may be caused by hormonal, electrical, or hydraulic signals. This project will quantify the dose response relationship between root penetration resistance and leaf elongation rates, compare long-term versus short-term responses, assess acclimation to repeated perturbations, and investigate the signals responsible for this rapid long-distance communication.
Your qualities
We are looking for result-driven team player. We ask for:
- An MSc degree degree in Plant Sciences, Plant Biology, or a related discipline;
- Being capable to operate in an international and multi-disciplinary environment.
- A profound knowledge of measuring techniques and analysing physiological processes.
- A strong affinity with building research tools and setups for plant experiments under fully controlled conditions.
- Although the focus will be on high-quality experimental plant physiology research, you should be well capable to translate and communicate your research findings with companies working in the vertical farming industry.
- Excellent communication skills as well as good proficiency in English (both oral and written).
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.
We offer you
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 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 € 2.541,- per month rising to € 3.247,- 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. This position is for a period of 4 years
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 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.
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Paul Kusuma, Assistant Professor, by email: Paul.Kusuma@wur.nl or Leo Marcelis, Chair Horticulture and Product Physiology, by email: Leo.Marcelis@wur.nl
For more information about the procedure, please contact Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, by email : 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 July 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.
We are
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!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ApLORCXXhm4?enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wur.nl
You will work here
The chair group Horticulture & Product Physiology
The chair group Horticulture and Product Physiology conducts high impact research and educates students providing the scientific basis required to answer questions that are of utmost importance for sustainable crop production and product quality in horticulture.
The research focus is on how physiological processes in crops, plants and plant organs interact with the abiotic environment and how this affects crop production and product quality. Questions arising from horticultural practice are translated into fundamental research topics, aiming to explain mechanisms. The research and education contributes to sustainably feeding the World with healthy high-quality products.
The chair group is an international team consisting of 20 staff members, about 45 PhD candidates and postdocs and a number of guest researchers. Each year about 50 MSc students conduct their thesis study (a 6-month research) at our group. We organize and participate in a variety of courses for BSc and MSc students to transfer knowledge on horticulture (pre- and post-harvest), environmental physiology and product quality.
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.Apply now