Postdoctoral researcher on photosynthesis in crops

Who are we?

The Jan IngenHousz Institute (JII) is a philanthropic, open science institution dedicated to improving photosynthesis to enhance crop production. Our goal is to contribute to global food security in the face of climate change, biodiversity challenges, and population growth. Our ambition is to unravel the secrets of photosynthesis in the real world by developing a platform of sensors, methods and fundamental knowledge that enable real world measurements of photosynthesis globally. Our team consists of engineers, data scientists, biochemists, biophysicists, geneticists, plant physiologists and breeders, working collaboratively at national and international levels. The JII is located on the campus of Wageningen University & Research and closely collaborates with universities in multiple countries.

The background of the project

Photosynthesis is one of the most critical of plant processes for biomass accumulation, yet it remains a largely untapped target for yield improvement. The interplay of numerous photosynthetic processes, influenced by environmental and developmental changes, makes it challenging to enhance photosynthesis through conventional breeding approaches focused on yield components. The Genetics of Photosynthetic Limitations research program at JII aims to develop methods to leverage natural genetic variation to pinpoint and resolve photosynthetic limitations under dynamic environmental conditions. Within this program the project “Using time to link genetic variation, photosynthesis and biomass in crops” has been granted. The research aim is to collect seasonal data to uncover genetic variation in photosynthetic responses to environmental and developmental changes and to determine how this variation impacts yield components.

What will you do?

As the project lead, you will have the opportunity to shape and develop your own ideas while leveraging your plant physiology expertise to address the research aim. Collaborating closely with the program lead, you will design and execute experiments to collect seasonal photosynthetic data in field-grown barley and potato populations. You will utilize established gas exchange and optical methods (e.g., LI-6800 and MultispeQ) alongside exciting, new instruments and methods developed by JII. These seasonal photosynthetic responses will be linked to plant growth, development, morphology, and environmental conditions to uncover limitations affecting yield components. Your project will be central to the Genetics of Photosynthetic Limitations research program and will contribute to the COtoBiomass research program. You will work directly with modellers and geneticists to interpret the data from your project in deeper, highly integrated ways. You will present your findings in scientific journals and international conferences and contribute to the JII open science platform. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead pioneering research in a multidisciplinary, highly collaborative and mission driven environment.

Who are you?

• You have completed a PhD in plant breeding, agronomy, plant physiology, or a related field.

• You have field experience collecting key traits related to agronomy and plant physiology.

• You have experience or a strong interest in collecting photosynthesis data and programming.

• You are comfortable organizing and managing research projects, coordinating with team members, and ensuring the execution of project tasks.

• You thrive in highly collaborative environments, where you contribute to both your own and your colleagues' research efforts.

• You are a proactive and independent researcher who enjoys working in a solution-oriented manner, is motivated to keep learning, and is passionate about contributing to the institute’s mission.

• You have strong English language skills, as you will work with a diverse, international team, where English is the primary language.
  

What do we offer?

• A position of 38 hours in scale 10 of the NU collective labour agreement (€3345 to €5278,). Although we are not covered by a collective agreement, we follow the salary scales of the NU agreement. You will be located at the Jan IngenHousz Institute in Wageningen, NL.

• You will receive 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus.

• We initially offer a one-year contract that will be extended based on good performance.

• You will work in an intellectually stimulating and vibrant environment.

• You will contribute to building a high impact, socially relevant institute.

• We expect JII and your research to have global impact with partners and collaborators worldwide.

• You will get strong support to develop your own research directions and build your career in science, including publications and development of research proposals.

  
  

Response

If you have questions about this position, you can contact Tom Theeuwen, JII Research Fellow and Program Lead at tom.theeuwen@jii.org. Send your CV and a cover letter with a short summary of motivations and experience in an email containing the header “Postdoctoral researcher on photosynthesis in crops” to hrm@jii.org by January 27th, 2025. We aim to have the first interviews on February 3rd, 2025.