진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

Who are we?

The Jan IngenHousz Institute (JII) is an open science institution dedicated to improving photosynthesis to enhance crop production. Our goal is to contribute to global food security in the face of climate change, biodiversity challenges, and population growth. Our ambition is to unravel the secrets of photosynthesis in the real world by developing a platform of sensors, methods and fundamental knowledge that enable real world measurements of photosynthesis globally. Our team consists of engineers, data scientists, biochemists, biophysicists, geneticists, plant physiologists and breeders, working collaboratively at national and international levels. The JII is located on the campus of Wageningen University & Research and closely collaborates with universities in multiple countries.

The background of this project Photosynthesis can be limited by multiple processes, and these are expected to rapidly change in dynamic conditions, e.g. with changes in temperature or light intensity and quality. In a natural environment, a synergistic and simultaneous interaction of all regulatory processes is of utmost importance for the rapid restoration of steady state and thereby the efficient use of light energy. In the JII program ‘Coordination of the Light and Assimilatory Reactions’ (CLAR) we aim to rapidly distinguish between limitations at the light reactions and limitations at downstream metabolic processes and subsequently explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Reproducing environmental conditions that lead to one limitation or the other can then be reproduced under controlled conditions. The latter is achieved in the sub-project “DREAM: Dynamic Responses to Environment and Adaptive Mechanisms”, where a growth and measuring chamber is developed that allows the replication of field environments and integrates multiple measuring platforms to help identify molecular mechanisms of limitations.

What will you do?

As a researcher you will be part of the project DREAM project. You will contribute to a measurement pipeline to assess photosynthesis in field-like conditions, at leaf, plant and canopy level, and from short to longer time scale. In this project, you will develop and build a custom controlled-environment measurement facility to mimic these field-like conditions, over short (seconds) and longer (days) time spans. This facility will allow for measuring key processes in photosynthesis and metabolism, to uncover limitations in photosynthesis and downstream metabolism on different time scales and levels of the canopy. Through this you substantially contribute to worldwide efforts to develop more productive, sustainable and climate-resilient crops. The successful candidate will also participate directly in experiments, create their own output, and has the opportunity to develop their own research directions.

Who are you?

• You have completed an advanced academic degree (MSc, EngD or PhD) in engineering or technology, in particular in controlled-environment agriculture engineering, environmental measurement and control, climate control, systems and control, or related field.
• You have skills in environmental measurement and control (e.g. temperature, humidity, light intensity), electronic engineering and development, and coding.
• You have an interest in developing enabling technologies, in studying fundamental processes of biology, and eagerness to learn about the most important process on earth, photosynthesis.
• You are a proactive engineer or researcher, who enjoys collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team and working in a solution-oriented manner, motivated to keep learning, and contribute to the institute's ambitions.
• You have good English language skills as you will work in a team of international individuals, where English is the primary language.

What do we offer?

• A position of 38 hours in scale 10 of the NU collective labour agreement (€3378,- to €5331,-), depending on qualifications and prior experience. Although we are not covered by a collective agreement, we follow the salary scales of the NU agreement.
• You will receive 8% holiday pay and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• We start with a 12-month contract, and if both parties wish to continue collaborating, a 2 year contract will follow.
• You will work in an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment.
• You will contribute to building an institute with significant societal relevance.
• We anticipate that over the next few years, more than thirty PhD candidates and sixty postdocs will contribute to the research program. You can pioneer and grow with our institute.
• You will get strong support to develop your own research directions and build your career in science, including publications and development of research proposals.

Response

If you have questions about this position, you can contact Steven Driever, steven.driever@wur.nl. Send your CV and a short summary of motivations and experience in an email containing the header “Researcher project DREAM” to hrm@jii.org by June 12, 2025.