Always wanted to obtain new insights towards resistance to notorious fungi like Botrytis? With the aim to develop a novel approach enabling I) breeders to select varieties with increased resistance levels, II) growers to reduce the use of fungicides and III) a decrease in the pre- and post-harvest crop losses due to rotting and quality loss caused by Botrytis? Then now there is a challenging project joining forces of Wageningen University experts in plant genetics, plant pathology, postharvest quality and six breeding companies. Please read on, and apply!
We are looking for an enthusiastic, communicative and highly motivated PhD student to work on increased resistance to Botrytis. Botrytis can cause gray mold on more than 1000 plant species leading to crop losses of up to 80%. For decades scientists and breeders aim to develop tools enabling selection for increased resistance to Botrytis. Although several protocols describing Botrytis assays, differential gene expression and QTL- or S- gene studies are available, no resistance gene has been identified so far, and translation of results into applications and breeding of Botrytis resistant crops remains minimal, especially in polyploid crops.
You will work on a novel approach by exploiting natural variation in the dosage of functional S genes in polypoid crops. An S gene approach proved to be successful in several diploid crops and is especially worthwhile for resistance to the necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis for which classical resistance (R)-gene have not been identified so far. One possible drawback of using S genes is that complete knock-out in all S allele (gene) copies may cause pleiotropic effects including stunted growth and reduced yield. Altering resistance levels based on changes in gene dosage instead of complete gene knock-out is a novel approach. The idea is based on observations in gene knock-down experiments like VIGS or RNAi, in which reduced S gene expression results in increased resistance, even though gene expression is not completely diminished. Key for studying variation in resistance levels is a quantitative and objective disease assay, which will be developed using automated computer aided image analysis.
Rose and strawberry are both polyploid and genetically closely related crops belonging to the family of Rosaceae, for which the Botrytis infection process is quite similar. The sector and society will profit from the development of new breeding tools enabling selection for cultivars which can maintain quality in a more sustainable production, transport and wholesale chain, with minimal use of fungicides and decreased losses. Although the research will focus on rose and strawberry, the knowledge will likely be applicable in all other ornamental and fruit crops suffering from Botrytis infection. The combination of automated computer aided image analysis and the use of an optimum S allele dosage can be a game changer for breeding for increased resistance in polyploid crops.
We ask
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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 € 2.443,- per month rising to € 3.122,- 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. (A contract for 0.8 FTE can be discussed.)
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 17th 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. Applicants from abroad moving to the Netherlands may qualify for a special tax relief, known as the 30% ruling. 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 helping your partner to find a job, housing, schooling, and other issues.
More information
Do you want more information?
For more information about this position, please contact Suzan Gabriëls, Scientist Plant Breeding, by e-mail suzan.gabriels@wur.nl
For more information about the procedure, please contact psg.vacaturemeldingen@wur.nl
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 14 March 2022. We hope to schedule the first job interviews the following weeks.
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. For more information please go to our inclusivity page. A good example of how WUR deals with inclusiveness can be read on the page working at WUR with a functional impairment.
We are
Wageningen University & Research
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment.
With its roughly 30 branches, 6.800 employees and 12.900 students, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of Wageningen’s unique approach. WUR has been named Best Employer in the Education category for 2019-2020.
Read the 5 reasons why your future collaegues enjoy working at WUR and watch this video to get an idea of our green campus!
Plant Breeding and The Graduate School Experimental Plant Sciences
The PhD position will be at Plant Breeding, Wageningen University & Research. Plant Breeding is a merged unit of Wageningen Research and Wageningen University with around 200 people including MSc and PhD students and guest workers. It is a highly international group with more than 50 nationalities organised 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 unravelling the genetic basis of traits which are relevant to achieve a sustainable agri- and horticulture. We conduct this research often together or in partnership with breeding companies, local, regional and state governments.
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 will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
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