Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant–Fungal Interactions | Wageningen University (ERC Advanced Grant DIGDEEP)

📅 Published: September 26, 2025
📍 Location: Wageningen, Netherlands
📝 Application Deadline: October 20, 2025

🚀 Opportunity Overview

Are you a researcher passionate about plant–microbe interactions, biodiversity, and sustainable ecosystems? Wageningen University & Research (WUR), one of the world’s leading institutions in life sciences, is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Plant–Fungal Interactions under the prestigious ERC Advanced Grant DIGDEEP project.

This groundbreaking project investigates how plant diversity shapes the spread and impact of soil-borne diseases, with the aim of uncovering mechanisms that strengthen biodiversity and improve sustainable agriculture.

If you’re eager to work at the cutting edge of disease ecology, fungal interactions, and molecular plant sciences, this role is your chance to contribute to high-impact international research.

🔬 Key Responsibilities

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will lead the fungal ecology aspect of the DIGDEEP project by:

• Designing and conducting advanced plant–fungal interaction experiments.
• Running bioassays to assess susceptibility of diverse plant species to fungal pathogens.
• Performing mesocosm experiments on species richness, host quality, and disease risk.
• Using molecular tools (DNA extraction, qPCR, sequencing) to analyze fungal diversity.
• Supporting and supervising PhD students in molecular and fungal methodologies.
• Leading and co-authoring publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

🌱 About the DIGDEEP Team

You will join the Root Ecology team led by Prof. Dr. Liesje Mommer, working closely with experts from the Molecular Ecology group of Prof. Raaijmakers at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO).

Together, this dynamic, international team is driving innovation in:

• Plant-fungal ecology
• Root trait biology
• Biodiversity and sustainable agriculture

The project also collaborates with agronomists, plant breeders, and stakeholders, ensuring real-world impact for food security, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience.

🎓 Candidate Profile

Applicants should have:

• A PhD in plant–microbe interactions, fungal ecology, plant pathology, or a related field.
• Strong experience with plant–fungal bioassays and molecular techniques.
• Skills in designing and executing ecological experiments.
• A collaborative, proactive research mindset.
• Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.

💼 Employment Benefits

Wageningen University offers one of the most attractive postdoctoral packages in Europe, including:

• Competitive Salary: €3,546 – €5,538/month (full-time, scale 10, CAO-NU).
• Contract: 1 year initially, extendable to 3 years with good performance.
• Benefits:
  • Partially paid parental leave
  • 8.3% year-end bonus
  • Excellent pension scheme
  • Flexible working arrangements for work-life balance
  • Affordable campus sports facilities

For 20 consecutive years, WUR has been ranked the best university in the Netherlands, offering a green, international campus with cutting-edge facilities.

🌍 Support for International Applicants

Wageningen University actively supports international researchers with:

• Visa and relocation assistance
• Housing support and banking guidance
• Dual career programs and family services
• Tax benefits for eligible international staff

Learn more about life at WUR through their International Community Portal.

📅 Application Timeline

• Deadline: October 20, 2025
• First Interviews: November 10, 2025

🔗 Application Form: Click here to apply

For academic inquiries, contact Prof. Dr. Liesje Mommer at Liesje.Mommer@wur.nl.
For recruitment-related questions, contact Jessa Rozema at jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl.

🌟 Why Join Wageningen University & Research?

At WUR, the mission is simple yet powerful:
“To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life.”

With 7,600 staff, 13,100 students, and over 150,000 lifelong learners, WUR is a global leader in addressing today’s biggest challenges in food, health, biodiversity, and climate change.

👉 Don’t miss this chance to advance your career in plant pathology, fungal ecology, and biodiversity research while shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.

📌 Apply today and take the next step in your research journey with Wageningen University & Research.

Apply Now:

https://www.wur.nl/en/respond-to-vacancy-page.htm?vacancyurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.connexys.nl%2Fwageningenurpublic%2Frun%2Fregister%24.startup%3Fz_f_taal%3D2%26z_kan_advertentie_id%3D172050