PhD Positions in Plant Stress Physiology, Nitrogen, and Photosynthesis at Wageningen University Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands

Wageningen University & Research is offering two fully funded PhD positions within the REAP2SOW programme, focusing on plant stress physiology, nitrogen acquisition, and photosynthesis in novel protein crops such as quinoa, white lupin, and tuberous pea. The research aims to understand how these crops respond to abiotic stresses like temperature and water fluctuations, with the goal of improving crop resilience and contributing to the transition toward sustainable, plant-based protein systems.

The projects are embedded in a collaborative environment involving Wageningen University, Utrecht University, Leiden University, the University of Twente, and the University of Groningen, as well as partners from the agri-food sector. Supervision will be provided by a team of experts: Prof. Jochem Evers, Dr. Steven Driever, Prof. Viola Willemsen, Dr. Wouter Kohlen, Dr. Martijn van Zanten, and Dr. Kaisa Kajala. Research activities include designing and executing controlled-environment experiments, phenotyping, molecular and cellular analyses, physiological measurements, and advanced data integration using bioinformatics and quantitative/statistical methods.

Applicants should hold an MSc in plant sciences, plant (molecular) biology, or a related field, with experience in plant physiology, stress resilience, or controlled-environment experiments. Additional skills in molecular biology, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, microscopy, or physiological measurements are advantageous. Strong teamwork and project management abilities are required, and proficiency in English at C1 level is expected.

The positions are fully funded, with a gross salary starting at €3,059 per month and rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, plus benefits such as a year-end bonus, pension scheme, and parental leave. International candidates are welcome and will receive support with visa procedures and may be eligible for tax exemptions. The application deadline is 23 February 2026.

To apply, candidates should submit a CV and motivation letter (max 3 pages total) via the Wageningen University & Research vacancy website. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Driever at [email protected].