Postdoc

We are looking for

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated plant biologist with either a Msc or PhD who can work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary team. We invite applications from ambitious candidates with relevant research experience and a passion for studying plant trait evolution using phylogenomic approaches. 
 
The PhD or post-doctoral candidate will be the lead researcher for the sub-project “Understanding the genomic and genetic basis of elevated photosynthesis rates of Hirschfeldia incana (Brassicaceae).”  You will be part of the larger multidisciplinary “Extremophiles Programme” that combines genomics, genetics, biophysics, physiology, biochemistry and modelling to understand the unique and very high photosynthetic rates in C3 plants in the Brassicaceae family. Specifically, you will be investigating how exceptional photosynthetic properties evolved and is regulated in Hirschfeldia incana, a wild relative of brassica crops such as Brassica rapa and Brassica nigra, by combining genomics and phylogenetics (phylogenomics) and genetic crossing and QTL analyses. If this kind of research would interest you and you enjoy understanding complicated systems then this could be the project for you. 
 
The Biosystematics Group and The Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences
The PhD or post-doctoral position will be under the daily supervision of Prof. Eric Schranz in the Biosystematics Group, Wageningen University & Research. The position will be co-supervised by Prof. Mark Aarts (Laboratory of Genetics) and Prof. Dick de Ridder (Bioinformatics group). You will be part of the Biosystematics group, with ~30 employees, including technicians, PhD students, post-docs, junior and senior scientists working on fundamental questions about biological diversity. The group research themes are: (1) origin and maintenance of plant and insect biodiversity, (2) speciation, domestication and plant-animal interactions, and (3) applying phylogenetic patterns to test hypotheses on underlying evolutionary processes. The Biosystematics Group is part of the Plant Science Group and works closely together with other groups (such as Genetics and Bioinformatics) within Wageningen University. The position will be part of the Dutch inter-university Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences (EPS). The mission of EPS is to organize the training of PhD students and postdocs to become self-reliant researchers.

We ask

• A MSc or PhD in plant genomics, genetics, or related fields with an interest in the evolution of plant traits (e.g. photosynthesis).
• Expertise and experience with generating and analysing plant comparative genomic and genetic datasets.
• A collaborative worker with good interpersonal communication skills.
• a good command of both spoken and written English language is critical (i.e. as demonstrated by published work). This position requires an excellent English language proficiency (a mininum of CEFR C1 level). For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page.

Applications should include: a cover letter including a statement about your motivation to apply and your suitability for the position (either as a PhD candidate or post-doctoral researcher); a curriculum vitae including contact information for two references; and  copies of your University PhD degree.
 

We offer

We offer a meaningful and challenging position with, depending on your experience, a competitive salary from a minimum of € 2.325 to a maximum of € 2.972 for PhD, or € 3.123 to a maximum of € 4.274 for Post-Doc, for a full working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement Dutch Universities. The job is for a period of 3 years (1 year and after a positive evaluation extension for another 2 years) at an international leading organization. The candidate will be based at the Biosystematics group.

In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus.

Wageningen University & Research stimulates internal career opportunities and mobility with an internal recruitment policy. There are ample opportunities for own initiative in a learning environment.
We offer a versatile job in an international environment with varied activities in a pleasant and open working atmosphere.
 

More information

For more information about this function, please contact Prof Eric Schranz, email: eric.schranz(at)wur.nl, telephone number +31317483660.
For more information about the procedure, please contact vacaturemeldingen.psg(at)wur.nl.
General information about https://www.wur.nl/en/Research-Results/Chair-groups/Plant-Sciences/Biosystematics-Group.htm.

This vacancy is open up to and including June 29, 2020.
You can apply through the application button on our website: www.wur.eu/career

The first job interviews will take place in week 28 and 29 2020.