Postdoctoral Researcher - Modelling Plant-Microbe Interactions

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The world is changing fast, and we’re evolving alongside it. Your work makes a difference here—whether you’re exploring the future as a researcher, inspiring students in the classroom, or contributing to the foundations that make our education and research possible.

Postdoctoral Researcher – Modelling Plant–Microbe Interactions

• Our goal: Develop computational models that integrate plant developmental processes with microbial community dynamics to generate new biological insights.
• Your colleagues: A collaborative, interdisciplinary team at the Brightlands Future Farming Institute (BFFI) and the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio).

Plants constantly interact with the world around them—from light and water availability to the countless microbes inhabiting the soil. Our understanding of these dynamics is growing rapidly, and now is the moment to push the boundaries further. At Maastricht University, we aim to develop a computational framework that integrates plant development with microbial community dynamics. That’s why we’re looking for a postdoctoral researcher who brings curiosity, analytical strength and interdisciplinary fluency to this project.

In this role, you join the Plant Computational Biology group of Dr. Ruth Großeholz. Here, computational modelling, systems biology and plant physiology come together. You’ll be part of an ambitious research community where academic and industry partners work side by side. You thrive in a setting where ideas from different disciplines meet, and where integrating methods, perspectives and data sources is essential.

You will develop spatially explicit simulation tools, explore use-cases such as synthetic microbial communities, and collaborate on co-authored publications. You’ll share ideas, present work-in-progress in workshops and conferences, and contribute to the academic environment through teaching and supervision activities.

If you enjoy combining deep scientific questions with computational innovation—and want your work to support the future of sustainable agriculture—then we would be excited to meet you.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your perspective, ideas, and drive. Does this sound like you?

• Scientifically grounded and curious – You hold a PhD in computational biology or a related field and are motivated by understanding biological systems through computational methods.
• Experienced modeller – You have demonstrable skills in modelling biological processes and are eager to deepen your expertise in plant–microbe interactions.
• Analytical communicator – You combine strong analytical abilities with excellent academic writing skills.
• Collaborative mindset – You enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams and can clearly communicate with colleagues from different backgrounds.
• Internationally oriented – You are confident working in English, both written and spoken, in an international academic context.
• Technically skilled – You bring programming experience in Python and C++ or equivalent languages.

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A position within the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities, complemented by UM-specific employment conditions.
• A competitive salary based on experience and the applicable salary scale.
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional national/UM-specific days off, and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option for hybrid working.
• Freedom and space to shape your research independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio)

At MaCSBio, we conduct cutting-edge research in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. Our work focuses on understanding, simulating and manipulating biological systems using advanced mathematical and computational tools. Research themes include Systems BioMedicine, Computational Neuroscience and Systems Biology of Plants. MaCSBio contributes to several Bachelor’s programmes and hosts the two-year MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. Learn more at: maastrichtuniversity.nl/macsbio.

About the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)

FSE is a dynamic hub for education and research in STEM and Liberal Arts and Sciences. With a strong focus on circularity, sustainability, future farming, digitisation and instrument development, our faculty brings together over 450 staff and nearly 3700 students. We are active on all four Brightlands campuses, working at the intersection of science, innovation and societal impact.

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

Curious?

Would you like to know more about this position or the research environment? Feel free to contact Dr. Ruth Großeholz at ruth.grosseholz@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Applying?

Are you convinced and ready to join us as our new postdoctoral researcher? Apply no later than 04 January 2026. 

Please include:

• A motivation letter
• A curriculum vitae, including the name(s) of one or two academic referees
• Higher education certificates

The first round of interviews will take place end of January / beginning of February 2026.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.