Your job
Are you fascinated by the hidden world of plantfungal interactions belowground? Do you want to uncover how biodiversity shapes the risk of plant diseases, and make discoveries that matter for both fundamental ecology and sustainable agriculture? Then this PhD position in the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant project DIGDEEP might be for you!
Biodiversity often reduces disease outbreaks, but not always, and we dont yet know why. As our PhD candidate, you will dive into this puzzle, exploring how plant community structure, host quality, and fungal diversity interact to influence disease risk. You will combine mesocosm experiments in the greenhouse with fieldwork in large-scale biodiversity experiments to untangle the complexity of plantfungal interactions. Our special focus lies belowground: on fungal root pathogens digging deep in both a literal and scientific sense.
Your Role
Develop and test hypotheses on belowground pathogen transmission in diverse plant communities.Conduct greenhouse and field experiments, including work at the renowned Jena Experiment in Germany.Measure plant performance and fungal diversity using ecological and molecular tools.Publish your findings in leading scientific journals and complete your PhD thesis.The Team
You will join the Root Ecology team led by Prof. Dr. Liesje Mommer at Wageningen University, part of the Forest Ecology and Forest Management group. We are an enthusiastic, international, and interdisciplinary team, passionate about plantfungal interactions in complex communities.
Your fieldwork will take you to Germany, where youll work within the Jena Experiment and collaborate closely with Prof. Dr. Alex Weigelt and Prof. Dr. Nico Eisenhauer. Together, we form a strong network of ecologists from experimental to theoretical working toward nature-positive solutions for agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.Your qualities
MSc degree in Plant Biology, Ecology, or a related field.Hands-on experience with plants and/or fungi, and enthusiasm for both field and greenhouse research.Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are essential. Experience with ecological experimental design and molecular techniques are a plus.A collaborative, organised, and curious mindset, with readiness to travel for fieldwork.Ability to thrive in a stimulating environment that requires dedication, persistence, and problem-solving skills.Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken.We offer you
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent . 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;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 year-end 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 3.059,- per month rising to 3.881,- in the fourth year in according to the (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.
Wageningen University & Research offers plenty of opportunities for growth and development, with a strong internal recruitment policy and excellent training programmes.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. For 20 consecutive years, we have been voted the "" in the Netherlands! A place to be proud of.
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.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands 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 page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs 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.