• work with plants and viruses and to perform disease assays;
• employ an optimized proteomics method that uses cross-linking and affinity purification to determine the RNA-binding proteome dynamics upon infection of plant RNA viruses;
• analyze RNAseq and proteomics data, and apply and implement advanced biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology methods;
• to use molecular tools to manipulate genes and gene expression in planta to functionally characterize the role of the identified proteins in susceptibility and/or resistance to viruses;
• to report and present your work progress on a regular basis to our industrial partners;
• to actively participate in scientific discussions in our research field and our university;
• to 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 recent PhD degree in Plant biology with 1 or more publications as first author in a peer-reviewed scientific journal;
• preferentially, skilled in proteomics, plant biochemistry and big data (statistical) analyses including bioinformatics and scripting in Phyton, R studio, MaxQuant, Persues or related;
• hands-on experience in and affinity with molecular biology (Gibson assembly, Goldengate, Gateway cloning strategies, CRISPR-Cas strategies, synthetic biology, plant transformations);
• An appreciation to contribute to valorization efforts and to foster collaborations with academic and industry partners;
• An understanding and acceptance of the sensitivity of confidentiality in public-private collaborations;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, with proven in experience in writing scientific papers / grants.

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

A temporary contract for 30.4-38 hours a week (0.8-1.0 FTE), preferably starting on 1-9-2026 for the duration of 12 months. An 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 to €5.538 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.