PhD position: Powdery Mildew (PM) resistance in tomato and pepper

Plant breeding at Wageningen university and Research is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who is passionate about breeding crops with resistance to diseases in agricultural production, one of the most serious problems is the crop loss (up to 40% of the crop yield) due to plant pests and diseases.

One of the most common practices to control pests and diseases is the use of chemicals. However, concerns on health risks due to exposure to residues in food and environment restrict the use of chemical control and urge the use of resistant plant varieties. Powdery mildew (PM) infection is increasingly becoming a problem in tomato and pepper production. Our research aims to explore plant genetic resources by using advanced biotechnology and molecular breeding tools to create tomato and pepper cultivars that are resistant to different PM species.

In this project, you as PhD candidate will clone and characterize novel PM resistance genes and study their resistance mechanisms, in order to deliver genes/markers, plant materials and knowledge that will be used to breed PM resistant cultivars. The research work will be done at Plant Breeding, Wageningen University.

This 4-year position offers the opportunity to apply your research skills in the domain of genetics, plant breeding and phytopathology, and includes time for personal development. Are you skilled in genetics, plant breeding and/or phytopathology with a collaborative attitude and a keen interest in resistance breeding? We look forward to your application.

Requirements:

For this interdisciplinary collaboration we are looking for an ambitious, enthusiastic scientist with:

• an MSc in Plant Sciences or Biology, with preference for candidates with good background in Genetics and Breeding as well as Phytopathology;
• an enthusiastic, problem-solving person who likes to combine lab and greenhouse work;
• experience with molecular techniques;
• excellent writing and oral communication skills in English;
• a team player who can also work independently.

Salary Benefits:

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, 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 € 2.770 - 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 19th 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 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.

38 hours per week

Droevendaalsesteeg