🌿 PhD Opportunity: Unlocking Tomato Resistance to Viral Diseases at Wageningen University & Research 🪴
🧬 Develop Virus-Resistant Tomato Varieties for Sustainable Agriculture
Are you passionate about plant genetics, virology, and creating solutions for sustainable food production? Wageningen University & Research (WUR) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on the genetic mechanisms behind virus resistance in tomatoes.
🌿 Project Overview
Viral diseases are among the leading threats to global agriculture, causing significant crop losses and undermining sustainability. In tomato cultivation, (re)emerging DNA and RNA viruses pose continuous challenges. This PhD project aims to develop durable, broad-spectrum resistance by leveraging molecular genetics and biotechnology to disable key plant susceptibility (S) genes.
🔬 Your Role
As a PhD candidate, you will:
- Utilize tomato wild accessions and mutants
- Apply advanced proteomics, molecular breeding, and gene editing
- Identify, clone, and characterize new S-genes
- Uncover the molecular dynamics of plant-virus interactions
This research could help revolutionise resistance breeding for tomatoes and other crops by reducing dependency on chemical inputs.
👥 Your Team and Collaboration
You’ll join the Breeding for Resistance research group at WUR Plant Breeding, working in collaboration with:
- The Laboratory of Virology and Biointeractions
- Eight leading plant breeding companies
- Interdisciplinary WUR chair groups
🏛 Why WUR?
With more than 30 nationalities, WUR offers a diverse and innovative research environment, and has been ranked the top university in the Netherlands for 20 consecutive years. You’ll work at the cutting-edge green campus while building skills that position you for leadership in global agricultural innovation.
✅ What You Bring
We’re looking for an enthusiastic, problem-solving researcher with:
- MSc in Plant Sciences, Biology, Genetics, or related field
- Background in genetics, breeding, proteomics, or virology
- Experience with molecular biology techniques
- Strong communication skills in English
- Team spirit with ability to work independently
💼 What We Offer
- Fully funded PhD position (4 years)
- Monthly gross salary: €2,901 to €3,707
- Tailored course program & strong mentorship
- 8.3% year-end bonus
- Excellent pension & parental leave benefits
- Flexible work-life arrangements
- On-campus sports facilities
- Strong support for international applicants, including visa, housing, partner job support & possible tax exemption.
🌍 International Applicants Welcome
Our team supports a smooth relocation process for you and your family. From visa help to housing advice, we make your transition to life in the Netherlands seamless.
📅 Application Deadline: 28 April 2025
📢 Interviews expected in May 2025
🔗 Ready to Apply?
👉 Submit your application via WUR’s website: Apply now
📄 Also complete this form: Mandatory Candidate Form
📧 Questions?
- Prof. Dr. Yuling Bai – bai.yuling@wur.nl
- Dr. Mireille van Damme – mireille.vandamme@wur.nl
- Procedure queries – vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl
💬 A Welcoming, Inclusive Culture
At WUR, diversity and inclusion are essential values. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every researcher can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
