PhD Positions in Resilient Crop Development: Wageningen University & Research invites applications for two fully funded PhD positions focused on developing climate-resilient crops to ensure food security in the face of climate change. The successful candidates will engage in interdisciplinary research within the CropXR project, which aims to integrate plant biology, simulation modeling, and artificial intelligence to enhance crop resilience.
Designation
- PhD Candidate – Crop Physiology (1 position at Wageningen University)
- PhD Candidate – Stress Response Modelling (1 position at Utrecht University)
Research Area
- Crop Physiology
- Computational Biology
- Plant Stress Responses
- Agricultural Sustainability
Location
- Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
Eligibility/Qualification
- MSc degree in plant/crop science, computational biology, or a related field
- Background in applied physics or mathematics with a strong interest in biology is also accepted
- Experience in programming and modeling complex biological systems
- Ability to communicate plans, results, and interpretations clearly in English (C1 level)
Description
As part of the interdisciplinary research project CropXR, the PhD candidates will develop computational methods to translate simulation models of plant responses to environmental stressors (drought and heat) from model plant species (Arabidopsis thaliana) to various crop species. This involves quantifying stress effects on shoot and root phenotypes, modeling plant growth, and collaborating with other researchers to analyze data and improve crop productivity under stress conditions.
The PhD position at Wageningen University will focus on:
- Quantifying and analyzing stress effects on crop species
- Developing models to predict plant performance under varying stress conditions
The Utrecht University position will focus on:
- Translating mechanistic models from Arabidopsis to crop-level responses to drought and heat stress.
Regular collaborative meetings will be held to enhance communication between candidates and supervisors.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Wageningen University website. Applications should be submitted before the application deadline listed below.
Last Date for Apply
- June 16, 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Title | PhD Positions in Resilient Crop Development |
| Summary | Fully funded PhD positions in sustainable and climate-adaptive crops |
| Research Area | Crop Physiology, Computational Biology, Agricultural Sustainability |
| Location | Wageningen University & Utrecht University, Netherlands |
| Eligibility/Qualification | MSc in related fields, programming experience, English proficiency |
| Application Deadline | June 16, 2025 |
For further information regarding the positions, interested applicants can contact Prof. Jochem Evers at jochem.evers@wur.nl.
