项目介绍

2026年5月14日

Your job

Do you want to help shape the future of plant breeding? Are you excited about combining machine learning, multi-omic data analyses, genetics, and cutting-edge phenotyping to discover molecular drivers of complex traits? Then this PhD position may be the perfect fit for you!

Most traits behind crop performance and environmental responses are complex, driven by many interacting genes. These have classically been studied using genome wide association studies and other linear approaches. Recent developments in machine learning and AI have opened new avenues for studying the genetic architecture and molecular underpinning of complex traits. Building interpretable and explainable AI models allows for not only improved trait prediction but also understanding how predictions were made, providing new insights into the underlying biological processes.

The key task of this position will be to build AI models linking different levels of biological complexity to gain novel insights into underlaying gene and molecular networks. Initially, the focus will be on integrating transcriptome, proteome and metabolome profiles measured at the single cell level in faba bean to understand the signatures and drivers of differences between cell types and linking them to observed plant traits.

Your duties and responsibilities include: 

• Design and implement methods to link genotypic and phenotypic data across different scales from single cells (multi-omics) to whole plants (high-throughput phenotyping)
• Design and implement interpretable and biologically grounded AI-based models to predict molecular and whole plant phenotypes using multimodal datasets
• Use the newly developed methods to study the genetic architecture of complex traits across different scales of biological complexity
• Benchmark newly developed methods against more stablished techniques such as genome wide association studies (GWAS/eGWAS)
• Work closely with colleagues across fields including bioinformatics, molecular biology, plant development and stress responses
• Publish your findings in scientific journals, collaborate across department and Chair Groups, and communicate your results in your PhD thesis and broader outreach activities.

You will work here

The research is embedded within the Wageningen University Department of Plant Breeding with collaboration from Aarhus University Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Wageningen Plant Research and other Chairs of Wageningen University Plant Sciences Group. Supervision of PhD will be led by Prof. Agnieszka Golicz, a newly appointed Chair of Plant Breeding.

Your qualities

You are an enthusiastic, curious, and independent researcher who enjoys noisy biological data, complex analytical tasks and developing novel methodological approaches. You are motivated to contribute AI-driven breakthroughs in plant breeding and the development of rationally designed crops. You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team that spans molecular biology, quantitative genetics, phenotyping, bioinformatics, and plant biology research. You have strong analytical skills, good communication abilities, and you are comfortable collaborating across research groups and research environments (from computer and molecular lab to greenhouse). You are eager to learn new techniques, whether in computing, genomics, or high-throughput phenotyping, and you enjoy connecting detailed trait measurements to the bigger picture of crop improvement.

You also possess:

• A successfully completed MSc degree in plant sciences, biology, agriculture, genetics, bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with multi-omic data, association studies, biological process modelling (mechanistic or data-driven).
• Skills in performing quantitative data analyses and the ability (or willingness) to work with –omics or high-dimensional datasets.
• Affinity with genetics, genomics, or trait mapping, and interest in linking genotype to phenotype.
• Strong collaborative attitude and good organizational skills to coordinate experiments across teams and research facilities.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

We offer

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. 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 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. 

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment. 

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 International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center 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.

Important information

For more information about the position, please contact Agnieszka Golicz via email: agnieszka.golicz@wur.nl
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Noorien Abbas, Corporate Recruiter, via vacaturemedingen.psg@wur.nl .

Ready 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. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.

To apply, please send the following documents (max. 3 pages in total for both documents):

• Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae (max 2 pages);
• Motivation letter (max 1 page).

The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.

You can apply until  8 June 2026. The first interviews will be scheduled soon after the closing date.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone’s unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

We are

​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, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.