PhD in Root Genetics for Climate-Resilient Barley – Wageningen University

Key details

• Host institution: Wageningen University & Research
• Location: Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg, Wageningen, Netherlands
• Application deadline: June 11, 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

A PhD position is available within the Allrounder project at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW). This project investigates how wild barley, the wild relative of cultivated barley, maintains stable yields under both optimal and drought conditions. The research focuses on dissecting the genetic basis of natural variation in root and shoot architecture to support breeding climate-resilient barley.

Your Role (PhD1, based at WUR)

• Design and execute controlled-environment experiments, including root phenotyping in barley diversity panels under different water regimes.
• Perform GWAS analyses to identify loci associated with root development and architecture.
• Investigate the developmental genetic basis of root architecture using molecular and cellular analyses (histology, microscopy, transcriptomics, mutant analysis).
• Generate CRISPR/Cas mutants and use transformation approaches to validate candidate genes.
• Analyze and integrate multi-modal datasets using quantitative, statistical, and bioinformatics approaches.
• Coordinate collaboration by managing cross-team experiments.
• Write and publish research in leading scientific journals, and communicate findings through a PhD thesis and broader societal outreach.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in plant sciences, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field.
• Strong interest in plant development, genetics, and crop resilience.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques and/or bioinformatics is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken).

We Offer

• A fully funded PhD position for 4 years (1.0 FTE).
• A stimulating research environment within WUR and NIOO-KNAW.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a high-throughput root phenotyping facility.
• Training and career development opportunities.

Application

To apply, please submit your CV, a motivation letter, and contact details of two references via the online application system. For more information about the project, contact Prof. Viola Willemsen ([email protected]) or Dr. Anneke Horstman ([email protected]).