Wageningen University & Research
5 days ago
PhD in Microscale Tracing of Molecules Driving Fungal Interactions in Soil Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full funding availableDeadline
Sep 3, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Wageningen University & Research

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About this position
PhD opportunity at Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands) in microscale tracing of molecules driving fungal interactions in soil.
This interdisciplinary project (INTERSPEC) focuses on the hidden chemical language of fungi, especially soil fungi and their secondary metabolites. The PhD candidate will develop SERS microspectroscopy strategies to detect and characterize fungal metabolites at single-cell scale, using Raman spectroscopy, gold nanoparticle-based sensors, and related molecular/spectral analysis methods.
Research themes and keywords: chemistry, biology, environmental science, physics, materials science, biophysics, microbial biochemistry in soils, nanoparticle functionalization, spectral data analysis, fungal co-cultures, soil ecosystem processes.
What you will do: isolate interaction-specific compounds from soil fungal co-cultures; analyze molecular structures via spectroscopy; study interactions between metabolites and Au nanoparticle SERS sensors; develop strategies for tracing metabolites in complex biological environments; interpret spectral data; and contribute to scientific writing.
Eligibility highlights: a completed or nearly completed MSc in Chemistry, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, Physics, or a related field; experience with optical spectroscopy, especially Raman microscopy, is strongly preferred; SERS and metal nanoparticle synthesis are a strong advantage; experience with biological samples is also beneficial; strong English communication skills are required, with C1-level proficiency expected.
Funding: fully funded PhD position with salary from €3,059/month in year 1 to €3,881/month in year 4, plus a tailored course program and standard WUR employment benefits. The contract is initially for 18 months and may be extended for the project duration.
Application window: apply by 2026-09-03. Submit a CV (max 2 pages) and motivation letter (max 1 page) through the WUR vacancy page, and complete the mandatory online form.
Supervision/contact: Dr. Milda Pucetaite (Assistant Professor, Wageningen University & Research) is the contact person for the position; Evelien Janssen is the recruiter contact.
Funding details
Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.
How to apply
Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.
More information can be found here
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