Research Trainee programme 2025 – Photosynthetic Electron transport and Alternative Sinks (PEAS)

Are you a highly motivated MSc student with a passion for plant sciences and an interest in a scientific career? Would you like to learn more about PhD research and explore the field of photosynthesis? Then apply now for the JII Research Trainee Programme 2025!

Who are we?

The Jan IngenHousz Institute (JII) is a philanthropically funded, open science institution dedicated to improving photosynthesis to enhance global crop production. Our goal is to contribute to global food security in the face of climate change, biodiversity challenges, and human population growth. Our ambition is to unravel the secrets of photosynthesis under real-life conditions by developing a platform of sensors, research methods and analysis, to gain fundamental knowledge that enables the global collection and analysis of real-time field measurements of crop photosynthesis. Our team consists of engineers, data scientists, biochemists, biophysicists, geneticists, plant physiologists and breeders, working collectively at national and international levels. The JII is located at the campus of Wageningen University & Research and collaborates with many universities worldwide.

What will you do?

As a Research Trainee you will explore the options for detecting so-called alternative sinks by rapid measurement of photosynthetic electron transport during CO2 concentration changes. You will do a literature study and preliminary experiments to test out the basis of a method for rapid detection. Based on this you will identify research questions and translate this into a potential PhD proposal that will be submitted for funding.

Meanwhile you will receive general training in plant physiology, photosynthesis measurement methods, and basic engineering and programming, which are vital to do your own research and development.

Who are you?

• You have (nearly) completed a Msc. in the field of plant sciences or related field.

• You are available for a full-time traineeship position from October 1st 2025 to March 31th 2026

• You have experience with photosynthesis measurement techniques (e.g. gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence), conducting plant research, method development, and basic programming and/or engineering.

• You have an interest in fundamental processes of biology and eagerness to learn about the most important process on earth, photosynthesis.

• You are eager to learn and a proactive researcher who enjoys working in a solution-oriented manner, motivated to keep learning, and contribute to the institute's ambitions.

• You have good English language skills as you will work in a team of international individuals, where English is the primary language.

• What do we offer?

• A 6 month position of 38 hours in scale 7 step 1 of the NU collective labour agreement (€2.925,-). Although we are not covered by a collective agreement, we follow the salary scales of the NU agreement.

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

• The position is for 6 months with the opportunity to write and submit your own PhD proposal. If funded you can start your PhD during or after the 6 months Traineeship.

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

• You will contribute to building an institute with significant societal relevance.

• We anticipate that over the next few years, more than thirty PhD candidates and sixty postdocs will contribute to the research program. You can pioneer and grow with our institute.

• 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 Alexander Laarman, Operational Director, alexander.laarman@jii.org. Send your CV and a short summary of motivations and experience in an email containing the header “Research Trainee Programme PEAS” to hrm@jii.org by September 7th, 2025.