Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Genetic Basis of Yield Stability in Barley Under Drought – Wageningen University, Netherlands
About Université de Montpellier
Applications are open for a PhD position in the genetic basis of yield stability in barley under drought at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. This position is part of the Allrounder project – a collaborative project between Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). The PhD will be based in the Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology (Wageningen University; Prof. Viola Willemsen and Dr. Anneke Horstman).
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
In a collaborative project between Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), we are looking for two enthusiastic PhD candidates to investigate how wild barley, the wild relative of cultivated barley, can maintain stable yield across both optimal and drought conditions. The projects focus on (PhD1) below-ground development (WUR), and (PhD2) above-ground growth and yield responses to water limitation (NIOO-KNAW/WUR).
Using a high-throughput root phenotyping facility and a diverse panel of wild barley accessions, you will study how root architecture and shoot traits influence plant performance under different water conditions. By combining phenotyping with genetic approaches such as GWAS and candidate gene analysis, the project aims to identify what makes the wild progenitor of barley resilient: what traits and alleles support stable yield across environments? Ultimately, this research will contribute to the development of barley varieties that perform reliably under both optimal and water-limited conditions – true “allrounder” crops for future climates.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it focuses on the wild progenitor of barley as a source of resilience traits. Domesticated barley has lost much of its genetic diversity; wild barley holds alleles that could improve drought tolerance. You will use a high-throughput root phenotyping facility to study root architecture across diverse wild barley accessions under different water regimes. The project combines GWAS, molecular biology (CRISPR/Cas, transcriptomics), histology, and microscopy. You will work alongside a second PhD candidate focused on above-ground traits, providing a comprehensive view of plant resilience. For a student interested in plant genetics, root biology, and climate-resilient crops, this is an opportunity to do research with direct applications for breeding.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and execute controlled-environment experiments, including root phenotyping in barley diversity panels under different water regimes
- Perform GWAS analyses to identify loci associated with root development and architecture
- Investigate the developmental genetic basis of root architecture using molecular and cellular analyses, including histology, microscopy, transcriptomics, and mutant analysis
- Generate CRISPR/Cas mutants and use transformation approaches to validate candidate genes
- Analyze and integrate multi-modal datasets using quantitative/statistical and bioinformatics approaches
- Coordinate collaboration by managing cross-team experiments
- Write and publish research in leading scientific journals and communicate findings through PhD thesis and broader societal outreach
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Completed MSc degree in Plant Sciences, Plant (Molecular) Biology, Plant Genetics or related field |
| Teamwork | Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate across institutes and disciplines |
| Personal Qualities | Curiosity, proactivity, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research |
| Advantage | Experience with cereal genetics, molecular biology techniques (transcriptome analysis, tissue culture, gene editing), and bioinformatics/GWAS analyses |
| Plus | Affinity with microscopy, cellular approaches, and high-throughput image analysis of root phenotypes |
| Language | English C1 level |
What They Offer
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| First Year Salary | €3,059 per month |
| Fourth Year Salary | €3,881 per month |
| Working Hours | 38 hours per week |
| Contract | 18 months (temporary), extended for project duration upon satisfactory performance |
| Year-end Bonus | 8.3% |
| Pension Scheme | Excellent |
| Parental Leave | Partially paid |
| Location | Wageningen, Netherlands (greenest and most innovative campus) |
My Application Tips
- Highlight your plant genetics experience – GWAS, candidate gene analysis, or molecular markers
- Emphasize molecular biology skills – Transcriptomics, tissue culture, gene editing (CRISPR/Cas) are advantageous
- Show microscopy and root phenotyping experience – High-throughput image analysis of root architecture
- Demonstrate bioinformatics skills – Analysis and integration of multi-modal datasets
- Keep application to max 3 pages total – CV (max 2 pages) + motivation letter (max 1 page)
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in plant sciences, plant molecular biology, or plant genetics who wants to understand how root architecture contributes to drought tolerance. If you are interested in using wild barley as a source of resilience traits, and want to combine high-throughput phenotyping with GWAS, CRISPR/Cas, and transcriptomics, this project offers training across genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Candidates with experience in cereal genetics or root biology are especially encouraged.
How to Apply
Apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on the Wageningen University website. Only applications submitted through the website will be considered.
Required documents (max 3 pages total for both):
- Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (max 1 page)
Note: Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage.
Application Deadline: June 11, 2026
For more information, contact: Prof. Viola Willemsen – +31 31748812 or Viola.willemsen@wur.nl
