PhD in Canopy Photosynthesis Dynamics — Wageningen University

Key details

• Host institution: Wageningen University & Research
• Location: Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, Wageningen, Netherlands
• Application deadline: July 2, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

We are seeking a PhD candidate to investigate how photosynthesis functions over hours, days, and weeks in real-world greenhouse and vertical farming conditions, with the goal of improving crop production.

Project Overview

In this project, you will study photosynthetic limitations and regulatory processes, such as acclimation, that are often overlooked due to their long temporal dynamics. Using continuous monitoring techniques like chlorophyll fluorescence imaging combined with microclimate measurements, you will uncover these dynamics and translate them into actionable insights for climate control and crop performance. You will work with chlorophyll fluorescence imagers, leaf-level validation sensors, and modeling tools to interpret canopy-scale photosynthesis.

This position is part of the GreenControl programme, funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and 11 companies. The programme includes 7 PhD students at Wageningen, Delft, Eindhoven, and Twente universities. You will collaborate with another PhD in the same group focusing on water-related traits, as well as with colleagues across disciplines, technology companies, and growers, ensuring your research results are directly applicable to operational climate-control strategies.

Your Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and execute greenhouse and vertical-farm experiments using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and supporting sensors to infer canopy photosynthesis.
• Investigate short- and long-term regulatory processes and identify limiting factors in canopy photosynthesis under realistic environmental fluctuations.
• Use and validate existing multilayer photosynthesis models that integrate microclimate gradients to support interpretation of canopy photosynthesis dynamics across time scales.
• Collaborate with technology providers, growers, and researchers to translate physiological insights into improved climate-control strategies for greenhouse production.

Your Workplace

You will be embedded within the Horticulture and Product Physiology (HPP) group at Wageningen University & Research, led by Prof. Leo Marcelis, and a member of the team of Silvere Vialet-Chabrand. The HPP group focuses on understanding and controlling plant growth, development, and product quality in controlled environments such as greenhouses and vertical farms. By integrating plant physiology, modeling, and data-driven approaches, the group aims to predict plant performance and optimize production systems across the supply chain, contributing to sustainable and efficient horticulture.