Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Optimizing Canopy Photosynthesis in Controlled Environment Agriculture – Wageningen University
About Wageningen University & Research
Applications are open for a PhD position in Optimizing Canopy Photosynthesis in Controlled Environment Agriculture at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. The research is embedded within the Laboratory of Nematology led by Prof. Geert Smant. The project is a collaboration with the Plant Stress Resilience group of Utrecht University, led by Dr. Martijn van Zanten. Your daily supervisor will be Dr. Mark Sterken, who has expertise in non-model species genetics and genomics.
Scholarship Overview
Project Description
In this project, you will develop and apply genetic, genomic (e.g., Iso-Seq and RNAseq), and phenomics tools to model temperature dose-responsiveness in Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.). A main aim will be to generate a reference transcriptome for this iconic species, as none exists yet. You will work together with a PhD researcher at Utrecht University (who will focus on A. thaliana) to develop, conduct, and analyze experiments in the Netherlands Plant Eco-Phenotyping Center (NPEC). Early in the project, you will set up a citizen science project and do some field work to acquire a diversity panel of Snowdrop accessions that you will use throughout your project.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it combines genomics, phenomics, and citizen science to study temperature responsiveness in Snowdrops – an iconic non-model species with no reference transcriptome yet. You will generate the first reference transcriptome for Snowdrops using Iso-Seq and RNAseq. The project includes field work, citizen science (involving the public in collecting Snowdrop varieties), and phenotyping at the Netherlands Plant Eco-Phenotyping Center (NPEC). You will collaborate closely with a PhD researcher at Utrecht University. For a student interested in plant genetics, genomics, and climate adaptation, this is an opportunity to establish a new model system and contribute to understanding temperature responses.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct transcriptomic analyses (Iso-Seq, RNAseq) and disclose natural genetic variation in iconic Snowdrops
- Obtain and analyze phenotypic data via NPEC
- Model phenotypic and transcriptomic responses to temperature dose
- Conduct a citizen science approach to collect snowdrop varieties needed for the project
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Completed MSc degree in Biology, Plant Sciences, or Bioinformatics with thesis research in a relevant direction |
| Experience | Prior experience with sequencing approaches and bioinformatics |
| Plant Experience | Prior experience with plant cultivation |
| Collaboration | Ability to work independently and within a team of both experimentalists and bioinformaticians at two universities |
| Language | Very good level of written and oral English (C1 level) |
| Outgoing | Social and outgoing, willing to set up and lead a public science project |
| Teaching | Interest in sharing qualities by teaching and supervising thesis students |
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 bioinformatics and sequencing experience – Iso-Seq, RNAseq, and transcriptomic analyses are core
- Emphasize plant cultivation experience – Working with real plants in controlled and natural settings
- Show interest in citizen science – Setting up and leading a public science project is a key component
- Demonstrate collaboration skills – Working across two universities (Wageningen and Utrecht)
- 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 biology, plant sciences, or bioinformatics who wants to establish a new model system (Snowdrops) for studying temperature responsiveness. If you are interested in combining genomics, phenomics, and citizen science, and want to work across two universities (Wageningen and Utrecht), this project offers training in transcriptomics, phenotyping, and public engagement.
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.
First Interviews: July 7, 2026
Second Round Interviews: July 13-14, 2026
For more information, contact: Mark Sterken – +31638679616 or mark.sterken@wur.nl
Scholorship