• work with plants, insects (thrips) and plant viruses, including performing bioassays;
• analyze and integrate (s)RNAseq and proteomics data;
• apply and implement advanced biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology; including cloning, transformation and validation of interacting partners using transient assays and other in planta gene-silencing or editing approaches.
• report and present your work progress on a regular basis to our industrial partners and write scientific publications
• actively participate in scientific discussions in our research field and our university;
• contribute as a (pro-)active team player to the organization of our laboratory. 

You are an ambitious person, a team player with an open character. You are enthusiastic and willing to become multidisciplinary with a keen eye on Plant virology and/or Plant-microbe interactions.

Next to this you have/are:

• a PhD degree in Plant biology with 1 or more publications as first author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
• preferentially, skilled in working with RNA, proteins and plant biochemistry
• affinity with bioinformatics and quantitative analysis of omics datasets (e.g. RNAseq/sRNAseq), and willingness to further develop these skills
• hands-on experience in and affinity with molecular biology (cloning strategies, CRISPR-Cas strategies, synthetic biology, plant transformations);
• enthusiasm for working in a public–private partnership, including regular interaction with breeding company partners and appreciation of confidentiality in such collaborations
• strong communication skills in English, both spoken and written, with a track record in scientific writing
• a collaborative, open attitude and the ability to work independently, manage multiple activities in parallel and drive your research line within a larger interdisciplinary team

Our selection will be based on your scientific track record, your vision on this research project, and your ambition, skills, and drive to foster your own (scientific) career.

A temporary contract for 30.4-38 hours a week, preferably starting on 1-9-2026 for the duration of 12 months. Ann extension for 2 years subsequently follows if we assess your performance positive.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €3.546 – €5.538 (scale 10) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.