PhD Funded Position on Harnessing the Potato Soil Microbiome Potential for Crop Resilience at Utrecht University, Netherlands

Job Description:

Utrecht University is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the CropXR research institute. CropXR is a program with a budget of 96 million Euros over the next 10 years, aimed at developing eXtra Resilient (XR) crops for sustainable agriculture. The program integrates plant biology, simulation modeling, and artificial intelligence to develop crop varieties resilient to climate change and less dependent on chemical crop protection.

The PhD project will focus on investigating the potential of the potato microbiome to enhance growth and stress resilience in potato crop systems. You will analyze microbial community profiles from diverse potato fields, experimentally relating them to potato growth, development, and stress resilience using advanced phenotyping technologies. The research aims to contribute to future climate-resilient potato cultivation and sustainable innovations.

Your Responsibilities:

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Conduct research within the CropXR Potato program.
• Collect and analyze diverse potato soil microbiomes.
• Test microbiome effects on potato performance under normal and drought stress conditions.
• Collaborate with other researchers, post-docs, and industrial partners within CropXR Potato.

Requirements:

You should possess:

• A Master’s degree in plant and/or microbe biology, plant biotechnology, or related field.
• Practical lab skills in plant and/or microbial biology.
• Interest in plant microbiome research and bioinformatic analysis of large data sets.
• Enthusiasm for plant root and shoot phenotyping.
• Strong written and spoken English skills.
• Good communication and organization skills.
• A proactive and curious attitude with creative ideas.

Experience in plant-microbe research and plant phenotyping is advantageous. Programming skills for bioinformatic analysis are beneficial.

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Offer:

• Full-time position for 4 years.
• Gross salary ranging from €2,770 in the first year to €3,539 in the fourth year.
• Additional benefits including holiday bonus and end-of-year bonus.

Application:

To apply, submit:

• Letter of motivation.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Optional reference letters.

Applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and nationalities are encouraged.

Application Deadline: 15/09/2023

For more details and to apply, visit the official job posting.

For questions, contact Professor Corné Pieterse (C.M.J.Pieterse@uu.nl) or Dr. Roeland Berendsen (R.L.Berendsen@uu.nl).

About CropXR:

CropXR is a research institute with a mission to develop resilient and sustainable crops through innovative methods. It is supported by several funders, including NWO’s Long Term Programme, Dutch National Growth Fund, Foundation for Food & Agricultural Research, and consortium partners. The program collaborates with universities, companies, and experts to tackle agricultural challenges and create growth opportunities in the Netherlands.

About Utrecht University:

Utrecht University is known for its leading research and inspiring teaching. The Plant-Microbe Interactions group focuses on understanding how plants interact with other organisms and aim to promote plant health and growth. The institute is equipped with advanced research facilities, offering an interdisciplinary environment for scientific exploration and collaboration.