PhD position – Characterization and optimization of Salicornia biomass quality under saline and contaminated soils

Plant biomass is the foundation for bio-based industries, providing the building blocks for products such as biomaterials and bio-based chemicals. In this context, the demand for renewable biomass sources for transforming the fossil to a bio-based economy will grow and crop residues will not suffice to satisfy this demand. Today, approximately 4.6 million tons of biobased chemicals and materials are supplied by EU biorefineries, and by 2030 an increase of 3.1 million tons of sustainable green feedstock from dedicated crops, residues and wastes, will be required to fulfil the demands of new or expanded European biorefineries.

New plant biomass sources need to be identified with low or no Indirect Land Use Changes (ILUC) effects. Saline and heavy metal contaminated soils are not suitable for the production of most food and feed crops but can be used for the cultivation of industrial crops. Some crops can remove contaminants from the soil (phytoremediation) and in this way make the soils suitable again to produce food crops.
In this project the PhD student will characterize the genetic diversity in Salicornia, a halophyte that is able to grown even when watered with sea water, and Crambe, a species that is able to tolerate high concentrations of heavy metals.

The ability to remove salt or heavy-metals from the soil will be evaluated in Salicornia and Crambe, respectively. This work will be conducted in collaboration with soil scientists that will evaluate the effects of the soil microbiome, and together with the PhD student the contribution of plant genetics and microbiome composition to the phytoremediation capacity will be evaluated.

You will work here
This PhD project will be embedded within two chairs, the chair of Biosystematics and of Plant Breeding.

Biosystematics headed by Prof. dr. Eric Schranz. We focus on evolution and biodiversity. We address fundamental questions about biodiversity and its origins and apply our knowledge to improve crops and ecosystems. Through our research, teaching, and outreach activities, we aim to increase societal appreciation for biodiversity. Our group offers a stimulating, diverse and open-minded environment with both scientific and social activities. Your personal development will be supported by an individual training and supervision plan of the graduate school Experimental Plant Sciences.

Plant Breeding is a merged unit of Wageningen Research and Wageningen University with around 200 scientists, also including MSc and PhD students and guest workers. It is a highly international group with more than 30 nationalities, organized in ten research groups. We conduct fundamental, strategic and applied research and provide teaching at all educational (BSc, MSc and PhD) levels. Our research focusses on the genetic basis of traits which are relevant to achieve a sustainable agri- and horticulture. We conduct this research often in partnership with breeding companies, local, regional and state governments.

You will be embedded within in Biosystematics and Plant Breeding groups. Daily supervision will be done by Luisa Trindade, and Eric Schranz. You will be part of a HorizonEurope project named IASIS.

• MSc in Plant Sciences or Biology, with preference for candidates with good background in genetics and physiology;
• Experience with molecular techniques and knowledge of genetics/genomics;
• An enthusiastic, problem-solving person who likes to work in a multidisciplinary team;
• excellent communication skills and an open collaborative attitude;
• For more information about this proficiency level, please visit our special language page);
• Fulfil the PhD Student English language requirement;
• An interest in (co-)supervising undergraduate students.

• 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 € 2.872 – per month rising to € 3.670,-  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.

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 Monday September 23, 2024. We hope to schedule the first job interviews soon after the closing date.

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.

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.