📍 Location: Utrecht University, The Netherlands
🔬 Position: Researcher in Maize Root Stress Biology
📅 Start Date: Fall 2025
💼 Job Type: Full-time | 1-year contract, renewable to 3 years
💶 Salary Range: €3,318 – €4,298/month (scale 8, CAO NU)
🌍 Help Decode How Maize Roots Withstand Environmental Stress
Are you passionate about plant biology, intrigued by the diversity of root structures, and eager to uncover how crops defend themselves from soil stress like drought or parasitic plants? Then the BarrierFates project at Utrecht University may be your perfect fit.
We are hiring a researcher to explore the genetic regulation and phenotypic expression of root barrier cells in maize, including the endodermis, exodermis, and multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma. You’ll work in a multidisciplinary, international environment with cutting-edge phenotyping technologies and contribute to a broader mission of developing climate-resilient crops.
🔍 About the BarrierFates Project
Funded by the NWO Open Competition XL, BarrierFates is a multi-institute research consortium focused on understanding how root barrier cells contribute to stress tolerance in maize and its wild relatives. The project explores how root traits impact plant fitness under stressors such as drought, soil compaction, and the parasitic weed Striga.
Your research will contribute to global solutions in sustainable agriculture, particularly relevant in an era of climate change, water scarcity, and growing food demands.
🎯 Your Key Responsibilities
- Develop and optimize phenotyping protocols for stress treatments (e.g., Striga, drought, compaction).
- Generate and analyze high-throughput phenomics data from maize root and shoot systems.
- Conduct cellular and anatomical imaging of root systems.
- Perform short collaborative research visits (up to 3 weeks) to IPK Gatersleben in Germany.
- Collaborate with a dynamic team of PhD candidates, postdocs, and plant scientists across the BarrierFates consortium.
- Present findings in meetings and support data-driven conclusions that guide future agricultural innovations.
🎓 Your Background & Qualifications
We’re looking for a curious, committed, and motivated researcher who thrives in collaborative environments.
✅ You Bring:
- A (graduate or undergraduate) degree in plant biology, biotechnology, genetics, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with experimental plant work and designing large-scale studies.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis and data interpretation.
- Skills to troubleshoot and adapt protocols as needed.
- Strong organization and communication abilities.
- Willingness to travel for collaborative lab work.
🎁 What We Offer
- A 1-year contract with extension up to 3 years upon positive evaluation.
- Gross monthly salary of €3,318 – €4,298 (based on 38-hour workweek, salary scale 8 CAO NU).
- 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% year-end bonus.
- Pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible work conditions.
- Career development resources, university discounts, and cultural/sports benefits.
- Access to advanced plant phenotyping facilities at NPEC.
🔗 More about working at Utrecht University
🏫 About Utrecht University & the Department of Biology
Utrecht University is renowned for its interdisciplinary research tackling global challenges. You’ll join the Department of Biology, working closely with the Experimental & Computational Plant Development and Plant Stress Resilience groups.
We promote a collaborative, inclusive work environment where your ideas are valued and your growth is supported.
📢 Apply Now – Be Part of Something Fundamental
Are you ready to help shape the future of crop resilience and contribute to sustainable agriculture? Then join us in exploring the hidden strengths of maize roots.
- A motivation letter
- Your CV
- Names and contact details of at least two references
🔗 Apply via the Utrecht University career portal (click “Apply Now” on the official listing).
📧 For inquiries, contact:
Dr. Kaisa Kajala (k.kajala@uu.nl)
Dr. Dorota Kawa (d.kawa@uu.nl)
📩 Questions about the application process? Reach out to: science.recruitment@uu.nl
🔄 Share this opportunity!
Know someone who might be perfect for this position? Share this post and help us find the next key member of the BarrierFates team.
Some connections are fundamental — be one of them.
